HC Deb 14 February 2003 vol 400 cc54-5W
Mr. Cox

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he last met representatives of the Turkish-Cypriot community in the UK; and what issues were discussed.[97776]

Mr. MacShane

Foreign and Commonwealth Office officials are in regular contact with representatives and members of both Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot communities in the UK in order to discuss the full range of issues of interest to those communities.

The current UN talks process is naturally of particular concern. The Government continues to express its full support for the UN Secretary-General's 10 December proposals, which would provide for a settlement in the best interests of all Cypriots. We are urging all those involved to secure a settlement by 28 February, enabling referenda to be held on both sides of the island and a reunited Cyprus to sign the Treaty of Accession with the EU on 16 April.

I maintain a close interest in the settlement process and regularly meet interested parties in the UK. Most recently, I held a discussion with the Friends of Cyprus Group on the state of play in the settlement talks.