Written question asked by Tom Cox (Labour) on Monday, 6 September 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 13 September 2004. It was answered by Denis MacShane (Labour) on Monday, 13 September 2004 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what discussions he had in his recent meeting in London with Mr Mehmet Ali Talat on the involvement of the Turkish Army in the day to day affairs of Northern Cyprus; and what future role he wishes to see the Turkish Army have in Cyprus.

Answer: Tom Cox: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he had in his recent meeting in London with Mr. Mehmet Ali Talat on the involvement of the Turkish army in the day-to-day affairs of Northern Cyprus; and what future role he wishes to see the Turkish army have in Cyprus. [187849] Mr. MacShane: My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary and I discussed a wide range of issues with Mr. Talat, including Turkish troops in northern Cyprus. An integral element of the UN Secretary General's comprehensive proposals, supported by the UK, was the demilitarisation of the island and progressive withdrawal of foreign troops (both Greek and Turkish)--ultimately leaving just 950 Greek and 650 Turkish troops, as sanctioned by the 1960 treaties. As the plan was not accepted by both sides, there is no agreement on early withdrawal of Turkish troops. Any steps taken now, however, to reduce existing troop levels by either side would be welcome.

Secondary information