Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government further to the Written Answer by Baroness Anelay of St Johns on 24 October (HL2012), what is their assessment of the conduct over 40 years of the UN-led talks on the Cyprus problem that began in 1975; what impact they consider that the Greek<b>-</b>Cypriot rejection of the United Nation’s Annan Plan in 2004 has had on the right of Turkish-Cypriots to recognition; and on what grounds they still subscribe to an international embargo in respect of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

Over the years, variable progress has been made to reach a comprehensive settlement in Cyprus. In 2004, the Government assessed that the Annan Plan represented the best available blueprint for settlement. Although the Greek Cypriots did not accept that plan, UN-led efforts continued. We support the current round of talks, which resumed in February on the basis of the Joint Declaration agreed by the two communities. A comprehensive settlement remains the best way to address the concerns of both communities, and for all Cypriots to enjoy the benefits of EU membership.

No country, except Turkey, recognises the so-called “Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus”. However, the UK strongly supports the ending of the isolation of the Turkish Cypriot community. We continue to work with European Commission to promote economic development and other opportunities for the Turkish Cypriots. We would also support measures to increase trading opportunities for the Turkish Cypriot community, including across the Green Line.