Cyprus (Hansard, 13 September 2004)

§ Tom Cox
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what involvement the British high commissioner for Cyprus is having with(a) the Greek Cypriot and (b) the Turkish Cypriot Mayors of Famagusta in efforts to redevelop the town. [187845]

§ Mr. MacShane
The British high commission, including the high commissioner, maintains contacts with a wide range of individuals and groups on both sides interested in the development of Famagusta.

§ Tom Cox
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what(a) support from the British Government and (b) financial support from the European Union he will seek to give to the Greek Cypriot and the Turkish Cypriot Mayors of Famagusta to reopen the port of Famagusta. [187846]

§ Mr. MacShane
I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave to him on 1 September 2004,Official Report , column 680W.

§ Tom Cox
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he had in his recent meeting with Mr. Mehmet Ali Talat on his willingness to co-operate with the Greek Cypriot Government on seeking to resolve the issue of missing people following the events of 1974 in Cyprus; and if he will make a statement. [187847]

§ Mr. MacShane
My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary did not directly address the question of missing persons on Cyprus in his meeting with Turkish Cypriot leader Talat on 1 July. But the Government have in the recent past made it clear to Mr. Talat that we applaud his commitment to resolve this longstanding issue.
As my hon. Friend knows, staff at the British High Commission in Nicosia work closely with the United Nations' Acting Third Member of the Committee on Missing Persons in order to identify areas where the UK can play a helpful role. We welcome the recent resumption of formal meetings of the Committee on Missing Persons and urge both sides to do all they can to resolve this painful humanitarian issue as soon as possible and in the best interest of the families.

§ Tom Cox
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the Northern Cyprus Administration to ensure that the land on which property developments are taking place do not belong to Greek Cypriot people who left Northern Cyprus following the events of 1974; and if he will make a statement. [187848]

§ Mr. MacShane
Satisfactorily resolving the issue of property is central to achieving a comprehensive and sustainable settlement in Cyprus. The UN Secretary General's comprehensive proposals set out a way to resolve the property questions, based in part on Greek Cypriot ideas. It is a matter of deep regret that the UN Secretary-General's settlement plan was rejected by the Greek Cypriots on 24 April.
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In our contacts with both sides, we have always urged that they avoid any action that might be prejudicial to a settlement. This applies to all aspects of the Cyprus problem, including property.
Because of the political situation in Cyprus, the Government advises that UK citizens take qualified legal advice before purchasing property anywhere on the island. We also point out that those considering a purchase in the north of Cyprus should be aware that the non-recognition of the 'TRNC' and a future settlement of the Cyprus problem could have implications for their property.

§ Tom Cox
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he had in his recent meeting in London with Mr. Mehmet Ali Talat on the involvement of the Turkish army in the day-to-day affairs of Northern Cyprus; and what future role he wishes to see the Turkish army have in Cyprus. [187849]

§ Mr. MacShane
My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary and I discussed a wide range of issues with Mr. Talat, including Turkish troops in northern Cyprus.
An integral element of the UN Secretary General's comprehensive proposals, supported by the UK, was the demilitarisation of the island and progressive withdrawal of foreign troops (both Greek and Turkish)ultimately leaving just 950 Greek and 650 Turkish troops, as sanctioned by the 1960 treaties. As the plan was not accepted by both sides, there is no agreement on early withdrawal of Turkish troops.
Any steps taken now, however, to reduce existing troop levels by either side would be welcome.

§ Tom Cox
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he had in his recent meeting with Mr. Mehmet Ali Talat on the future of Famagusta and of the development of facilities within the town; and if he will make a statement. [187850]

§ Mr. MacShane
My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary did not discuss the development of Famagusta town with Mr. Talat during their meeting on 1 July.
I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave to him on 1 September 2004, Official Report , column 680W.