Written question asked by Lord Maginnis of Drumglass (Ulster Unionist Party), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Howell of Guildford (Conservative) on Monday, 13 December 2010.

Cyprus

Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what preparations they are making to relieve the 36-year embargo on the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, as promised subsequent to the 2004 Annan Plan Referendum should the United Nations Secretary-General decree that the current Cyprus Talks have failed.

Answer: The UK remains committed to supporting the economic development of the Turkish Cypriot community, bringing Turkish Cypriots closer to Europe through both financial aid and trade liberalisation. Together with the European Commission we are supporting their efforts to bring their laws and policies into line with the EU. The financial aid regulation, worth €259 million, represents the EU's biggest per capita aid programme. It has the potential to make a real difference to the lives of ordinary Turkish Cypriots and will assist with the implementation of a settlement once one is agreed. We welcome the progress made so far. We support the UN in its efforts to find a just and lasting settlement to the Cyprus problem that benefits all Cypriots.

Secondary information