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Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Answer

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make it his policy to seek a new settlement plan for the EU for the Cyprus problem which does not involve the indefinite presence in Cyprus of foreign troops. [173224] Mr. MacShane: We will continue to work with all sides with a view to realising the ultimate objective of achieving a just, lasting and comprehensive settlement so that we can see a reunited Cyprus within the EU. We believe the UN Secretary General's comprehensive plan established the best possible basis for achieving a settlement. We welcomed the fact that the settlement would have seen a reduction in Greek and Turkish troop numbers to a purely symbolic level. It is now time for reflection on the deal that was rejected and a considered examination of where we go from here. We look forward to the UN Secretary General's report on the settlement talks as an important first step in that process. In the meantime there is no prospect of a renegotiation of the UNSG's plan, including the provision for a limited number of Greek and Turkish troops to remain. Any change in this would have to be by mutual agreement of the parties concerned.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

173224; 421 c673-4W

Session

2003-04

Subjects

Armed forces Deployment Cyprus EU action Greece Turkey Peace negotiations Northern Cyprus

Link

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