Written question asked by Lord Maginnis of Drumglass (Crossbench), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Malloch-Brown (Labour) on Wednesday, 11 July 2007.

Cyprus: Official Visits

Question: asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether Ministers will maintain the precedent set by the former Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, Mr Jack Straw, when he visited the President of Northern Cyprus, Mr Mehmet Ali Tallat; and whether they will formally invite President Tallat to visit Westminster during 2007.

Answer: The Government give high priority to supporting the UN in its efforts to find a just and lasting settlement to the Cyprus problem that benefits all Cypriots. Only by engaging with both communities in Cyprus can we help make progress towards this objective. Officials and Ministers will therefore maintain dialogue with representatives of the Turkish Cypriot community at all levels, both in Cyprus and in the UK. This naturally includes the Turkish Cypriot leader. This does not change our long established policy of non-recognition of the so-called Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 4628; 693 c221WA
Session: 2006-07
Related items: Cyprus: UK Policy
Wednesday, 25 July 2007
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House of Lords; Cyprus: Human Rights
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Subjects: Foreign relations Northern Cyprus
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk