§ Lord Moynihanasked Her Majesty's Government:
What representations they have made to persuade the Turkish Cypriots to accept the United Nations Secretary-General's plan for Cyprus as the basis for continued talks. [HL349]
§ The Minister for Trade (Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean)Our High Commissioner in Nicosia and members of his staff are in regular contact with Mr Denktash, Turkish Cypriot political leaders and members of civil society. During his visit to Cyprus on 21 and 22 November 2002, the UK Special Representative to Cyprus, Lord Hannay, had meetings with the representatives of Mr Denktash, party leaders and NGOs.
We have also made clear to Turkey that we believe a comprehensive settlement which protects the legitimate interests of Turkey and Turkish Cypriots is attainable. The Prime Minister met Mr Erdogan, leader of Turkey's ruling party, on 12 December and my right honourable friend the Foreign Secretary visited Ankara on 4 December.
We urge all parties to come to agreement by the UN deadline of 28 February on the basis of the UN Secretary-General's revised proposals of 10 December. We fully support the UN Secretary-General and his special adviser, Alvaro De Soto.