§ Tom CoxTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the Turkish Government on a reduction in the number of Turkish troops based in northern Cyprus; and if he will make a statement. [184132]
§ Mr. MacShaneOur ambassador in Ankara has a close working relationship with the Turkish Government. During his dialogue with the Turkish Government on the UN Secretary General's settlement plan the issue of Turkish troops was discussed.
Our fundamental goal remains to work for a Cyprus settlement. The Turkish Government gave its full support to the UN Secretary General's settlement plan. This included provision for the phased withdrawal of Turkish troops down to a militarily insignificant level.
§ Tom CoxTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he had at his recent meeting in London with the Turkish Cypriot 67W Prime Minister of the occupied area of northern Cyprus, as to a reduction in the number of Turkish troops based in Northern Cyprus; and if he will make a statement. [184134]
§ Mr. MacShaneMy right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary and I discussed a wide range of issues with Mr. Talat, including Turkish troops in northern Cyprus. Mr. Talat assured us that he would continue to work for a settlement to the Cyprus problem. As my hon. Friend knows, the UN Secretary General's proposals for a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem included a provision for a substantial phased withdrawal of Turkish troops.
It is a matter of regret that those proposals were not accepted by the Greek Cypriots and troops remain. It remains the view of the Government that a comprehensive settlement as set out by the UN Secretary General offers the best means of addressing all aspects of the Cyprus problem, including the presence of Turkish troops.