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Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Answer

Tom Cox: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he is having with the Government of the Republic of Cyprus on the clearing of minefields in the UN buffer zone in Cyprus; whether this action is supported by the British Government; and if he will make a statement. [200305] Mr. MacShane: We welcome the decision of the Government of Cyprus in June 2004 to work with the United Nations to start mine clearance in the buffer zone. The de-mining program has the support of member states of the European Union and the European Commission and is funded by the European Union through its `Partnership for the Future' programme at an estimated cost of è2.5 million. Work began on 18 November, conducted by two British companies, and is estimated to last for just over a year. We also welcome a statement made by Mr. Talat, elected leader of the Turkish Cypriot Community, on 18 November in which he said that the Turkish Cypriots would soon sign an agreement with the United Nations which would allow them also to begin mine clearing operations. The UK government welcome any contribution to normalisation of the situation on the island. De-mining is an important step towards this.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

200305; 428 c477W

Session

2004-05

Subjects

Cyprus Bomb disposal Landmines UN resolutions Turkey Northern Cyprus

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk