Written question asked by Lord Monson (Crossbench), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Triesman (Labour) on Tuesday, 18 July 2006.

Cyprus: Turkish Population

Question: What representations they will make to the Government of Cyprus on the case for concessions to Turkish Cypriots to balance those concessions which have been pressed on Turkey by the incoming President of the European Union.

Answer: We continue to encourage Turkey to fulfil its obligations under the Ankara Agreement Protocol with regard to Cyprus. We believe that all obstacles to trade and travel in the region should be removed. Further to the determination of the EU to lift the isolation of the Turkish Cypriots, we will continue to support the Commission and the presidency in finding a mechanism for them to trade directly with the EU. The history of the EU has shown that trade has great power to bring the peoples of Europe together in common purpose. We believe that trade in all directions will promote a settlement and the normalisation of relations in the region.

Secondary information