§ Lord Kilclooneyasked Her Majesty's Government:
In what ways the isolation of Turkish northern Cyprus has changed since the approval on 1 May by the majority of Turkish Cypriots of the Annan plan. [HL4130]
§ Baroness Symons of Vernham DeanOn 24 April Turkish Cypriots expressed their clear desire for a future within the European Union. On 26 April the EU recognised that desire and agreed to end the isolation of the Turkish Cypriots. This in itself was a significant development. The United Nations Secretary General gave further impetus to that goal in his report on his mission of good offices on 28 May.
The European Commission has produced two draft regulations: to enable preferential direct trade between northern Cyprus and the EU, and to put in place a system to disburse 259 million euros of structural funds as agreed at the 26 April General Affairs and External Relations Council. Both regulations are still under discussion between EU member states. Agreement on both regulations is necessary to fulfil the political decision of 26 April to end the isolation of Turkish Cypriots.
Since 1 May, Turkish Cypriots with Republic of Cyprus travel documents have had the same rights and entitlement to enjoy the benefits of EU membership as any other EU citizen. The Government are working to ensure that this entitlement can be enjoyed to the fullest extent possible.