Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to reports in the Cypriot media that the President of the Republic of Cyprus or his Foreign Minister have rebuked countries whose ambassadors have consulted with the TRNC's Foreign Minister Ozdil Nami, whether this has included the United Kingdom's High Commissioner; and, if so, whether they have issued or intend to issue any reprimand.

On 1 July 2014, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus circulated, to all accredited diplomatic missions including the British High Commission, a Note Verbale concerning meetings and contacts with the Turkish Cypriot community. We have not issued, and do not intend to issue, any formal response.

We consider it important to maintain a range of contacts across both Cypriot communities, particularly in the context of renewed efforts to reach a comprehensive settlement. The UK's good relations and long-standing contacts with the Turkish Cypriot community are maintained in a way which is consistent with our policy on recognition, and in full support of the goal of reunification.