§ Lord Monsonasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether, from 1 May onwards, United Kingdom passport holders have the unrestricted right to cross and re-cross the Cyprus "green line" in either direction at approved crossing points, provided they are carrying a valid passport. [HL2666]
§ Baroness Symons of Vernham DeanOn 28 April, the EU agreed a new regulation to govern the green line in Cyprus. The regulation established special rules concerning the crossing of goods, services and persons, in order to take account of the fact that the Republic of Cyprus does not exercise effective control in the whole of the island.
The regulation states "it is necessary to enable EU citizens to exercise their rights of free movement within the EU and set the minimum rules for carrying out checks on persons at the line and to ensure the effective surveillance of it."
Since 1 May, the Government of Cyprus have allowed the free movement of EU citizens across the green line, in either direction. I urge them to do so unhindered.