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 Tuesday, 1 March 2011.

Cyprus

Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the remarks by Lord Howell of Guildford on 13 January (Official Report, col. 1573), why they consider that a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation in Cyprus would prevent ethnic violence there similar to that at Christmas 1963.

Answer: The Government have not made any such considerations. The bicommunal concept was agreed within the 12 February 1977 high level agreement between the then leaders of the two communities under the auspices of the UN Secretary-General. As I said on 13 January 2011, we are committed to supporting the UN's efforts to achieve a settlement based on a bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality as defined by the relevant Security Council resolutions. We want to see a settlement agreed and peacefully implemented by Cypriots for Cypriots to deliver a stable, prosperous and united Cyprus, operating as a valued partner within the EU.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 6586; 725 c300WA
Session: 2010-12
Related items: Turkey
Thursday, 13 January 2011
Proceeding contributions
House of Lords
Subjects: Cyprus Politics and government Peace negotiations
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk