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: Sanctions

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the impact on EU trade and shipping of the Turkish embargo on Cypriot and Cyprus associated shipping; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: The European Commission is responsible for monitoring the implementation of the acquis by Turkey and for providing evidence-based impact assessments on the accession process. The UK has made no detailed assessment of the impact on EU trade and shipping of the Turkish embargo on Cypriot and Cyprus associated shipping. However, the opening of Turkish ports to Cypriot shipping would clearly have important economic benefits for the region as a whole. The interdependence that accompanies trade, both on the island and between Cyprus and Turkey, has an important role to play in reunifying the island.

Secondary information