HL Deb 14 December 2004 vol 667 c79WA
Lord Hylton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will call on the Government of Turkey to implement United Nations Security Council Resolutions 1062 (of 1996) and 1251 (of 1999) concerning the clearance of minefields in the United Nations buffer zone in Cyprus, by ensuring the co-operation of its armed forces and of the local administration in Cyprus. [HL194]

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean

We welcome the fact that the Republic of Cyprus began de-mining activities in the buffer zone on 18 November this year and that, on the same day, Mr Talat, elected leader of the Turkish Cypriot Community, said that the Turkish Cypriots would soon sign an agreement with the United Nations to allow them to begin mine clearing operations.

The UK Government welcome any action by both communities that will aid in the normalisation of the situation on the island. De-mining is an important step towards this.