Written question asked by Andrew Dismore (Labour) on Wednesday, 7 November 2007, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 12 November 2007. It was answered by Jim Murphy (Labour) on Thursday, 29 November 2007 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Cyprus: Official Visits

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when the British High Commissioner for Cyprus last visited Rizo Karpasso in northern Cyprus; what assessment he made of the (a) number, (b) scale and (c) reasons given for demolition of Greek Cypriot homes; what representations he made to the Turkish Cypriots; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Our High Commissioner in Nicosia last visited the Greek Cypriot community in the Karpas on 22 June 2007 as part of a regular pattern of visits, which supplement the United Nations' humanitarian and monitoring activity. The issue of the demolition of Greek Cypriot homes was specifically discussed during this visit and subsequently with the Turkish Cypriot leadership. Our High Commission in Nicosia continues to urge the Turkish Cypriot leadership to respect the property rights of the enclaved Greek Cypriot communities.

Secondary information