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That this House welcomes the new opportunities afforded by the partial lifting of restrictions at the Green Line which still divides the people of Cyprus; believes that this is not a substitute for a solution and could be made more people-friendly by changing the insistence by the Turkish Cypriot authorities that Greek Cypriots have to show passports to travel in their own country to see their own homes, a fact that is preventing many Greek Cypriots from visiting the north of Cyprus; notes that the Turkish Cypriots have to be back in the north by midnight and that the limited number of check points leads to huge delays especially at weekends; congratulates the Hands Across the Divide NGO, which has members from both communities, and supports their protest on 9th July against passport and 'Cinderella' restrictions; and looks forward to a political settlement which will not only normalise the relationships between Greek and Turkish Cypriots but allow the whole of Cyprus to enter the EU in May 2004.House of Commons 9 Jul 2003 : Column 1157CyprusQ9. [124295] Tom Cox (Tooting): What plans he has to visit Cyprus to meet the President of Cyprus. The Prime Minister: I have no current plans to do so. Tom Cox : I note that reply. Is my right hon. Friend aware, however, that in recent weeks in northern Cyprus there has been a dramatic change of attitude on the part of the Turkish Cypriot community, who have clearly said that they no longer accept the leadership of Rauf Denktash, no longer want the isolation that they have had for so long, and now want to be part of the European Union that the Republic of Cyprus will enter next year? Against that background, will the Prime Minister, when he next meets the Turkish Prime Minister, make it clear to him that he and his Government should start to enter into constructive dialogue in seeking a settlement in Cyprus for the benefit of Greek and Turkish Cypriots, who clearly now want to associate together? The Prime Minister: My hon. Friend is right in the sense that there is a strong feeling among the Turkish Cypriots that they want to be part of the European Union and to have the benefits of membership. Of course, we will continue our discussions with both the Greek and the Turkish Governments to see how we can bring about a settlement. My hon. Friend may like to know that Kofi Annan recently made it clear that the UN proposals that we strongly supported remain on the table. I therefore very much hope that we are able to mount a constructive attempt to get the parties back talking to ensure that we can reach a settlement on this issue, which would be beneficial for all the people on the island of Cyprus. Hansard House of Commons 8 Jul 2003 : Column 890Cyprus7. Mr. Andrew Dismore (Hendon): When he next plans to visit Cyprus to discuss the Annan plan. [123872] The Minister for Europe (Mr. Denis MacShane): I hope to visit Cyprus in due course. The Government call on both sides to signal their intentions to negotiate on the basis of Kofi Annan's plan and to commit to putting it to referendums on both sides of the island. Mr. Dismore : I am sure that my hon. Friend will agree that the biggest obstacle to settlement in Cyprus is the dinosaur attitude of Mr. Denktash. Does he also agree that the opening of the green line has cut away one of Mr. Denktash's prime arguments—the suggestion that Greek and Turkish Cypriots cannot get along together? We are seeing wonderful examples of people who are reconciled in facing their problems. Will he do all that he can to ensure that the people of northern Cyprus have the opportunity to express their views through the ballot box later this year in elections to the so-called Parliament in the north free of intimidation? Will he also encourage the opposition in the north to unite, so that the real feelings of the Turkish Cypriots can be expressed, in opposition to Mr. Denktash? Mr. MacShane: In addition to this oral question, my hon. Friend has tabled some 31 written questions on Cyprus that are answered today. That is a tribute to his diligent work on behalf of the interests of many of his constituents, which the House should acknowledge. He is right: it was wonderful to see the people of Cyprus voting with their feet, as it were, and brushing aside the old political thinking. I believe that they voted with their feet for a reunited Cyprus to join the European Union. We are making these points and my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary and I discussed them with the Turkish Foreign Minister, Mr. Gul, last week. We will continue to do so. We hope that the elections will take place in a free and fair way in northern Cyprus. Our ambition remains that a united Cyprus, on the basis of the Annan plan, will join the European Union next May. Sir Sydney Chapman (Chipping Barnet): With Cyprus joining the European Union on 1 May next year, is it not timely for the British Government to remind the illegal regime in northern Cyprus that people there will not be able to share the benefits of joining the European Union? Would it not also be timely for the British Government to remind the Turkish Government that, if they are serious about wanting to join the European Union, they must play a much more constructive part in reunifying the island and getting rid of the green line? Mr. MacShane: Those points were made by my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary virtually word for word in his meeting with the Turkish Foreign Minister, Mr. Gul, last week, but there is an additional point. If a reunited Cyprus joins the European Union next May, it will make Turkish an official language of the European Union, as one of the two top figures of state in that reunited Cyprus will have to be a Turkish-speaking Cypriot. I think that that is of great advantage to Turkey as it looks forward to its candidature. That is why we hope that that can happen and think that the way forward must be to support Cyprus's EU ambitions and to put to one side the anti-European hostility that features in so much of our press in this country. Mr. Edward O'Hara (Knowsley, South): Would my hon. Friend join me in welcoming the fact that for the next academic year the English School in Nicosia is, once again, inviting Turkish students to study with their Greek compatriots? It so happens that Rauf Denktash is an alumnus of that school. Would my hon. Friend remind the Turkish Government that the 35,000 troops who are on the island are supposed to be there to protect the interests and human rights of those very people whose voice is not being heard—the Turkish Cypriots—and that they should cleanse the electoral rolls before December to ensure that the elections are valid and give full and authentic voice to the Turkish Cypriot community? Mr. MacShane: One would have to be deaf and blind not to sense from northern Cyprus the desire to see their island reunited. I was not aware of the initiative by the school in Nicosia to offer places to Turkish students; I hope that Turkish will become used like Greek all over the island. There is still a window of opportunity. We as a Government and, I think, all hon. Members urge all the Governments in the region—we must address the Turkish Government, the Turkish Parliament and the Turkish military—to recognise the fact that this is a golden moment to seize. It will be good for Turkey, good for Cyprus and good for the eastern Mediterranean if a united Cyprus can enter the EU next May.
Cyprus (Written Questions 8 July)
Mr. Dismore: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his policy is on the action to be taken by the authorities in occupied Cyprus if Famagusta port is to be reopened; and if he will make a statement. [123165R]
Mr. MacShane: The question of the status of Famagusta port is one for the Government of the Republic of Cyprus.
Mr. Dismore: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the future status of Sovereign Base Area Cyprus after the Republic of Cyprus accedes to the EU. [123170R]
Mr. MacShane: Following Cyprus' accession, the UK's Sovereign Base Areas (SBAs) will remain outside the EU, with technical adjustments to ensure the continued smooth functioning of the relationship between Cyprus and the SBAs.
The arrangements are set out in a Protocol to the Treaty of Accession, which was signed on 16 April.
Mr. Dismore: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs in what respects the Annan plan for a Cyprus settlement is incompatible with the Acquis Communautaire; and if he will make a statement. [123171R]
Mr. MacShane: The European Commission has stated repeatedly that there is no incompatibility of the UN proposals with the acquis communautaires. Commission officials worked in close co-ordination with the UN team over the drafting of the UN plan. The EU has affirmed on a number of occasions, most recently at Thessaloniki European Council, that it will accommodate the terms of a settlement, in line with the principles on which the EU is founded.
Furthermore, a comprehensive settlement on the basis of the UN plan, before May 2004, would allow a re-united island to be a member of the EU. This is the EU's express and strong preference.
Mr. Dismore: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the fiscal and financial arrangements in the Annan plan on the economy of the proposed Greek Cypriot component of Cyprus should the Annan plan be implemented in its current form; and if he will make a statement. [123172R]
Mr. MacShane: We believe the UN plan for a comprehensive, just and lasting settlement in Cyprus to be fair and balanced, including on matters of fiscal and financial arrangements. The proposed Greek Cypriot state is currently the richer of the two constituent states that would make up the United Cyprus Republic. This would inevitably lead to some disparity of contributions, as in any democratic state.
Mr. Dismore: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what restrictions remain on people wishing to cross the Green Line in Cyprus; and if he will make a statement. [123173R]
Mr. MacShane: Upon crossing the Green Line, Greek Cypriots travelling north are required to show their passports to the Turkish Cypriot authorities. Their details are logged and checked on return. They are permitted to bring their cars with them, provided they take out Turkish Cypriot third party insurance, and they are allowed to stay for up to three nights in hotels, but not in private accommodation.
Turkish Cypriots travelling south are required to show exit visas north of the Green Line, and then a Republic of Cyprus passport or ID card, or a "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus" ID card (in which case their details are logged), when they cross. They are allowed to bring their cars for a period of up to 48 hours.
The Cyprus Government does not permit Turkish citizens to cross from the north to the south, nor does it permit any person who has entered the island of Cyprus through a port of entry in the north to cross to the south.
The British Government welcomes the relaxation of restrictions on freedom of movement across the Green Line. However, such measures are not a substitute for a comprehensive settlement on the basis of the UN plan.
Mr. Dismore: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his estimate is of the number of people who have crossed the Green Line in Cyprus (a) north to south and (b) south to north; and if he will make a statement. [123174R]
Mr. MacShane: The latest figures available record that, as of 21 May, 292,017 Greek Cypriots had crossed to the north, and 142,253 Turkish Cypriots had crossed to the south. Some of these may be repeat visits. Reports continue of thousands of Cypriots crossing each way every week, particularly at weekends.
Mr. Dismore: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his assessment is of the impact of the opening of the Green Line in Cyprus on the prospects for a Cyprus settlement; and if he will make a statement. [123175R]
Mr. MacShane: The celebratory scenes of Greek and Turkish Cypriots crossing the Green Line for the first time in 29 years have proved that Greek and Turkish Cypriots can live together peacefully.
The British Government welcomes any moves that increase contacts between the two sides and improve the climate on the island. However, these measures are no substitute for renewed negotiations in the search for a comprehensive settlement on the basis of the UN plan, in line with the recommendations in the United Nations Secretary-General's report of 1 April 2003 to the UN Security Council, endorsed by UNSCR 1475.
Mr. Dismore: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what package of measures has been put forward by the EU to assist Turkish Cypriots in occupied Cyprus; how these measures will be administered; what his assessment is of these measures; and if he will make a statement. [123176R]
Mr. MacShane: The European Commission released, on 3 June, a package of measures designed to promote economic development in the north of Cyprus and bring it closer to the EU.
The package includes 9 million euros of financial assistance to boost economic development, through developing infrastructure in the north, introducing grant schemes for Small and Medium Enterprises and conducting feasibility studies on the economic integration of the north of Cyprus into the EU, after a political settlement. The package further includes 3 million euros to bring the north closer to the EU, through information activities on the EU and the acquis. Finally, the package includes proposals on trade, in particular that the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce could be given the authority to issue movement certificates for goods going from the north of Cyprus to the south.
Technical talks on the implementation and administration of these proposals are ongoing in Brussels. However, we are urging both sides to work closely with the Commission to implement these measures and deliver the best possible results for Turkish Cypriots.
Mr. Dismore: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what measures have been taken by the Republic of Cyprus to assist Turkish Cypriots resident in occupied Cyprus; what assessment he has made of these measures; and if he will make a statement. [123177R]
Mr. MacShane: On 30 April the Cyprus Government released a Memorandum on Government Policy vis-à-vis the Turkish Cypriots, detailing proposed measures designed to give the Turkish Cypriots, in the absence of a settlement and where possible, the same rights as those enjoyed by the Greek Cypriots.
These proposed measures include the establishment of an Office of Turkish Cypriot Affairs; the facilitation of the issuing of travel documents, ID cards and birth certificates by the Republic of Cyprus to Turkish Cypriots; the facilitation of the employment of Turkish Cypriots; measures to enable goods for personal consumption to be carried from the north to the south; the facilitation of freedom of movement from the north to the south; the introduction of direct dialling between the south, the north and Turkey; measures regarding Turkish Cypriots missing from the 1960s and 1970s; the participation of Turkish Cypriots in elections for local authorities in the south; measures regarding the teaching of Turkish to Greek Cypriots, and Greek to Turkish Cypriots; the provision of free medical treatment to Turkish Cypriots in the south when referred by a doctor in the north; and various measures regarding cultural events and activities.
The Government of the Republic of Cyprus has already implemented many of these measures and is looking at ways of implementing the remainder.
The British Government welcomes measures designed to help normalise life on the island. However, we believe that Confidence Building Measures are in no way a substitute for a comprehensive settlement on the basis of the UN plan, and for a reunited island being a member of the EU.
Mr. Dismore: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he plans to make to the authorities of occupied Cyprus on ensuring fair balance in the broadcast media for the elections in occupied Cyprus this year; and if he will make a statement. [123178R]
Mr. MacShane: The British Government will be watching developments closely and will make any representations that they consider necessary and appropriate.
Mr. Dismore: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to Turkey concerning the refusal of Turkey (a) to allow Republic of Cyprus-flagged vessels to use Turkish ports and (b) to enter into a customs agreement with the Republic of Cyprus; what assessment he has made of the implications of these refusals for Turkey's application for EU candidate status; and if he will make a statement. [123179R]
Mr. MacShane: This is a matter for the EU Commission, which regularly reminds Turkey of her obligations on both of these points.
Turkey was granted EU candidate status at the Helsinki summit of 1999.
Mr. Dismore: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to send observers for the elections in occupied Cyprus; and if he will make a statement. [123182R]
Mr. MacShane: The Government firmly believe that it is important that the forthcoming elections in the north of Cyprus are seen to be free and fair. We would certainly consider sending observers if invited to do so.
Mr. Dismore: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action he proposes to take to ensure the elections in occupied Cyprus will be conducted fairly; and if he will make a statement. [123183R]
Mr. MacShane: The elections in the north of Cyprus come at a critical time for the future of Cyprus and the prospects for a permanent and comprehensive settlement. It is clearly in the interests of all concerned that they should be seen to be conducted freely and fairly. We urge the Turkish Cypriot authorities to ensure that this is so.
Mr. Dismore: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his latest estimate is of how many residents in occupied Cyprus are (a) Turkish Cypriots, (b) settlers from Turkey,
(c) descendants of settlers from Turkey, born in Cyprus and (d) foreign nationals; and if he will make a statement. [123190R]
Mr. MacShane: The number of residents in each of these categories is a matter of dispute between the various parties concerned and no authoritative estimates are available.
Mr. Dismore: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action he is taking to ensure the electoral roll for the elections in occupied Cyprus is fairly compiled; and if he will make a statement. [123191R]
Mr. MacShane: We have observed closely the legal and other action that has taken place in the north of Cyprus in recent months to challenge the validity of the existing entries on the electoral roll. We believe that the credibility of any election result depends, among other things, on the credibility of the electoral roll on which it is based.
Mr. Dismore: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his latest estimate is of the number of Turkish troops in occupied Cyprus; and if he will make a statement. [123192R]
Mr. MacShane: The 1960 Treaty of Alliance allows for there to be 950 Greek troops and 650 Turkish troops on the island of Cyprus. The actual numbers of Greek and Turkish troops are a matter of dispute between the various parties concerned. No authoritative figures are available.
Mr. Dismore: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what (a) action he is taking and (b) advice he is giving to prevent UK citizens resident in occupied Cyprus in dispute with Greek Cypriots visiting the property with a claim to ownership; [123193]
(2) what advice he is giving to UK citizens resident in occupied Cyprus in the event of a Greek Cypriot visiting the property suggesting it belongs to him; and if he will make a statement. [123196]
Mr. MacShane: Our High Commission in Nicosia has encouraged British residents in the north of Cyprus to act in the spirit of the times, and to accord visiting Greek Cypriots the same courteous welcome that they have generally received from Turkish Cypriots.
Mr. Dismore: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action he is taking to persuade the Government in occupied Cyprus to remove its requirement on visitors from the Republic of Cyprus to produce passports when crossing into the occupied areas; and if he will make a statement. [123194]
Mr. MacShane: We will continue to encourage both sides in Cyprus to work together to eliminate any difficulties which the welcome relaxing of restrictions on freedom of movement might cause.
Mr. Dismore: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what advice he is giving (a) to UK citizens resident in occupied Cyprus in property where the title is uncertain owing to possible Greek Cypriot ownership and (b) to potential purchasers from the UK of property in occupied Cyprus; and if he will make a statement. [123195]
Mr. MacShane: Our general advice to prospective buyers, found on the FCO's website and given in response to telephone queries, is that non-recognition of the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus", and the possibility of a future political settlement, could have implications for those considering buying property in the north. They should appraise themselves fully of the situation and seek legal advice.
We continue to believe that property issues will only be fully resolved through a comprehensive settlement based on the UN plan.
Mr. Dismore: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action is being taken to prevent UK citizens resident in occupied Cyprus crossing into sovereign base areas; in what circumstances they will be prevented from doing so; in what circumstances they will be permitted to do so; and if he will make a statement. [123197]
Mr. MacShane: In line with commitments made to the Republic of Cyprus in the 1960 Treaty of establishment, provided they have entered the island of Cyprus through an internationally recognised port of entry, British nationals have freedom of access and communication to and through the Eastern Sovereign Base Areas (ESBA) from the north. No action is being or will be taken to prevent them from doing so. However, any person who has entered the island of Cyprus through an unrecognised port of entry is considered to be an illegal immigrant by the Government of the Republic of Cyprus. It has been Government policy since 1974 to respect the Republic of Cyprus' immigration policy. The relaxing of restrictions on freedom of movement across the Green Line has required SBA authorities to check and monitor people and vehicles entering and leaving the ESBA. Therefore, some people who might have previously crossed in contravention of SBA law are now no longer able to do so.
Mr. Dismore: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reported incidents there have been of violent confrontation as a result of people crossing the Green Line in Cyprus (a) north to south, in the south and (b) south to north, in the north; and if he will make a statement. [123206]
Mr. MacShane: There has been one minor violent incident, in which a Turkish Cypriot visiting the south was attacked and received hospital treatment. The alleged attackers are the subject of a police investigation.
However, this one exception proves the rule that the Green Line crossings in general have been peaceful and celebratory, proving that Greek and Turkish Cypriots can live together peacefully.
Mr. Dismore: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the evidence he has received of smuggling (a) into and (b) out of the Sovereign Base Area, Cyprus of (i) drugs, (ii) humans and (iii) other contraband material (A) before the relaxation of the Green Line restrictions and (B) since; and if he will make a statement. [123209]
Mr. MacShane: The Sovereign Base Areas have appropriate measures in place to prevent the passage of contraband goods across SBA boundaries. The SBA checks and controls mirror those of the Republic of Cyprus.
Increased quantities of uncustomed goods (mainly tobacco products and alcohol) have been seized by SBA Customs at the crossing points in the Eastern Sovereign Base Area (ESBA) since the relaxation of crossing restrictions across the Green Line and the subsequent necessity of checking every vehicle. So far no drugs have been detected.
In early 2001, there were five incidents of prohibited immigrants attempting to cross into the ESBA directly from the north. There have been no further incidents since then.
Mr. Dismore: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to ensure freedom of movement for Cypriot citizens in Cyprus and in the EU; and if he will make a statement. [123211R]
Mr. MacShane: Cypriots holding Republic of Cyprus passports will be able to enjoy free movement throughout the EU from 1 May 2004.
Some restrictions on freedom of movement within the island of Cyprus are likely to continue as long as Cyprus remains divided. We are urging the two sides to resume negotiations on the basis of the UN plan, in order to secure a comprehensive settlement and enable a reunited Cyprus to be an EU member.
Mr. Dismore: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to replace Lord Hannay with a new special representative to Cyprus; and if he will make a statement. [123212R]
Mr. MacShane: None at present.
I refer my hon. Friend to the Written Ministerial Statement made by my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary, on 4 June 2003, Official Report, column 22WS.
Mr. Dismore: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his policy is on the conditions which should be met by the leaders of the Turkish Cypriot community in Cyprus before negotiations for a settlement can be resumed; and if he will make a statement. [123213R]
Mr. MacShane: The British Government remains committed to UNSCR 1475, which endorsed the view of the UN Secretary-General, that both sides should unequivocally state that they are ready to commit to resumed negotiations on the basis of the UN plan, and that they should commit to finalising the plan without changing its basic principles or essential trade-offs, and to putting it to referendums on both sides of the island.
The Greek Cypriot leader, Mr. Papadopoulos, gave such a commitment at The Hague earlier this year. The Turkish Cypriot leader, Mr. Denktash, has refused to do so.
Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the UN on the possible reopening of Famagusta port; and if he will promote its reopening. [133410R]
Mr. MacShane: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Hendon (Mr. Dismore) today (UIN 123165).
EU (Official Languages)
Mr. Dismore: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the implications for Turkish Cypriot EU citizens applying for jobs with the EU Commission, in the event of Turkish not being an official language of the EU; and if he will make a statement. [123164R]
Mr. MacShane: The Republic of Cyprus has specified to the EU that its official language is Greek. Any Cypriot citizen applying for jobs within the Commission would have to work with the official languages of the Union.
In the event of a comprehensive settlement on the basis of the UN plan and consequent EU membership by a reunited Cyprus, it is likely that Turkish would become an official language of the EU. In that way, the current anomalous situation would be resolved.
We are urging both sides to resume negotiations and commit to securing a settlement on the basis of the UN plan.
4 Jun 2003 : Column 22WS
FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS
Cyprus
The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (Mr. Jack Straw): The search for a comprehensive settlement to the Cyprus Problem has been and remains a high priority for the Government. For seven years, our contribution has been led with great distinction by Lord Hannay as Special Representative for Cyprus. But in the light of recent developments, we have been reviewing the arrangements for ensuring an active British input into Cyprus diplomacy.
My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister and I have therefore accepted Lord Hannay's recommendation that his term should end with effect from the date of this announcement, and I have decided, for the time being at least, not to make any further appointment of this kind. Lord Hannay has worked with enormous professionalism and dedication, in support of the United Nations, to bring peace, security and prosperity to Cyprus in the form of a comprehensive settlement so to enable a reunited Cyprus to join the European Union in 2004. Lord Hannay's support and advice during his time as Special Representative—invaluable here in London, but also singled out for praise by the UN Secretary-General and many of our international partners—have brought this country great credit.
The UN process culminated in the second revision of the Plan which the UN Secretary-General presented to the parties on 26 February, and in negotiations which reached a climax in The Hague on 11 March this year. For reasons set out in the subsequent report by the UN Secretary-General and endorsed in UN Security Council Resolution 1475, this final effort ended in failure, for which the Turkish Cypriot leader, Mr Denktash, bore the prime responsibility. It is the British Government's firm view that the Annan Plan remains the best way forward. We also concur with the Secretary-General's judgement that he should not take a new initiative unless and until he is given solid reason by all the parties to believe that the political will exists necessary for a successful outcome and that they are prepared to commit to finalising the Plan by a specific date and to putting it to separate simultaneous referenda on a date soon thereafter.
The House will understand that this announcement in no way indicates a weakening of the Government's determination to work with others under the aegis of the UN to find a solution to the Cyprus Problem. Should events again make it appropriate for a Special Representative to be appointed, the Government will not hesitate to do so.
Stop press Cyprus Mail: BRITAIN has replaced its special envoy Lord David Hannay with a senior Foreign Office official, Dominic Chilcott. Although the British High Commission said Chilcott would not be 'Britain's Special Envoy for Cyprus', the title Hannay held for seven years as an international mediator on the Cyprus problem, the Foreign Office official could be involved in the negotiations if it is "appropriate". Chilcott is the director of the Mediterranean Europe desk at the Foreign Office's EU policy department.
The outspoken and not-always-popular Hannay quit as Cyprus envoy last month following the collapse of negotiations between the two sides in The Hague in March. The British diplomat laid the blame squarely at the door of Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash, who refused to take a UN plan to referendum.
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