Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they formally congratulated Ersin Tatar on his recent election as President of Northern Cyprus; if so, when; and whether the UK High Commissioner treats the governments of the Republic of Cyprus and Northern Cyprus equally diplomatically.

The British High Commissioner was in contact with Mr Ersin Tatar on 20 October, following his election as leader of the Turkish Cypriot community, to congratulate him on his new role and express hope for an early return to Cyprus settlement talks. The Turkish Cypriot community is recognised in Cyprus' constitution. As such, whilst the UK does not recognise the self-declared "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus" and does not treat the Turkish Cypriot community equally diplomatically, we do engage with the Turkish Cypriot community.