Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment he has made of the prospects for a successful solution to the Cyprus problem; and what steps he is taking to assist this development.

Since talks resumed on 11 February 2014, the two communities have engaged in substantive negotiations. Both sides now have a much better sense of each other’s positions and concerns, and they have begun seeking the common ground in a number of areas. The parties have expressed a wish to intensify their efforts in the months ahead.

We welcome the leaders’ commitment to reach a comprehensive settlement as soon as possible. Their level of ambition, Turkey’s engagement, and the recognition of the political and economic benefits all mean that a successful solution is possible through this round of talks. No-one should underestimate the scale of the potential challenges ahead, but there has been no better time in recent years to achieve a lasting solution. Given those prospects, we are encouraging the two sides to begin building public support for a comprehensive settlement.

We have been active in supporting the UN-facilitated talks. I recently invited the two chief negotiators to London, and was struck by their seriousness and determination to reach an agreement.

Our diplomatic network has been engaged in regular discussions of the need for progress in Cyprus not only with Cypriot leaders but with Turkey, Greece, and others.