§ Lord Kilclooneyasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether Ercan Airport in Northern Cyprus has been reopened; and what progress, since the referendum on the Annan plan, is being made to allow direct flights from the nations of the European Union to Ercan Airport. [HL3182]
§ Baroness Symons of Vernham DeanThe Government believe steps should be taken as quickly as possible to end the isolation of the Turkish Cypriots. On 26 April 2004, the General Affairs and External Relations Council invited the European Commission to
bring forward comprehensive proposals with particular emphasis on the economic integration of the island [of Cyprus] and on improving contact between the two communities and with the EU".We look forward to seeing these proposals. We are considering these issues too and see significant benefits in direct links between the northern part of Cyprus and other parts of the EU if this can be done in a safe and effective way, respecting the legitimate concerns and interests of all involved.
Direct flights from EU member states to Ercan Airport would be in line with the EU policy, encouraged by the UN Secretary General, to end the isolation of the Turkish Cypriots with a view to reuniting the island.