HL Deb 13 May 2003 vol 648 cc28-9WA
Lord Kilclooney

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether citizens of member states of the European Union who are (a) visiting or (b) resident in Turkish Northern Cyprus will have unrestricted movement to Greek Southern Cyprus following the accession of the Republic of Cyprus as a member state of the European Union. [HL2595]

The Minister for Trade (Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean):

From 1 May 2004, EU citizens will enjoy the right to live and work in the Republic of Cyprus in line with EU law. The exercise of those rights as far as the north of Cyprus is concerned will be subject to the provisions of the relevant protocol to the accession treaty and any subsequent legislation adopted under that protocol.

The protocol suspends the application of EU law in those parts of the Republic of Cyprus in which the Government of the Republic of Cyprus do not exercise effective control.

Currently a number of the restrictions hitherto applied to crossings of the Green Line have been lifted. It is too soon to say what effect these will have on the situation after accession. It will be for the Republic of Cyprus and the European Commission to agree on the application of EU laws after accession.