Written question asked by Tom Cox (Labour) on Monday, 12 July 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 19 July 2004. It was answered by Denis MacShane (Labour) on Monday, 19 July 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 has had with the Turkish government on a reduction in the number of Turkish troops based in Northern Cyprus; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Tom Cox: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the Turkish Government on a reduction in the number of Turkish troops based in northern Cyprus; and if he will make a statement. [184132] Mr. MacShane: Our ambassador in Ankara has a close working relationship with the Turkish Government. During his dialogue with the Turkish Government on the UN Secretary General's settlement plan the issue of Turkish troops was discussed. Our fundamental goal remains to work for a Cyprus settlement. The Turkish Government gave its full support to the UN Secretary General's settlement plan. This included provision for the phased withdrawal of Turkish troops down to a militarily insignificant level.

Secondary information