Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Cyprus

Tuesday 6 September 2022 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Theresa Villiers asked about recent steps to support a negotiated settlement to reunite Cyprus.
  • Theresa Villiers inquired whether the Minister would condemn the Turkish authorities for reopening parts of Famagusta.
  • The Minister stressed that the UK opposes destabilising actions and supports UN Security Council resolutions regarding Varosha.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Theresa Villiers Con
Foreign Affairs
Context

The question addresses the ongoing efforts to unite Cyprus under a negotiated settlement. The context involves recent actions and the need for diplomatic support.

Question

What recent steps she has taken to support a negotiated settlement to reunite Cyprus?

Answer from Graham Stuart

I pay tribute to my right hon. Friend; she is a great champion for the reunification of Cyprus. We are determined to find a negotiated settlement for the island, which is why I met Cypriot Foreign Minister Kasoulides in my first week in office to set out the UK's commitment to finding a just and lasting settlement.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not specify recent steps or concrete actions taken beyond expressing commitment and meeting with the minister.

How: We Are Determined, Set Out Our Commitment

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Q2 Theresa Villiers Con
Foreign Affairs
Context

The question pertains to the reopening of parts of Famagusta by Turkish authorities, causing distress among Greek Cypriots and complicating negotiations.

Question

Will the Minister condemn the actions of the Turkish authorities in reopening parts of the beachfront town of Famagusta as this is causing great distress to the Greek Cypriots who were driven from those homes 48 years ago and have never been able to return? Such provocative actions make it harder to achieve a negotiated settlement.

Answer from Graham Stuart

My hon. Friend is absolutely right. The fact that the suburb of Varosha within Famagusta is being fenced off underlines the importance of reaching a comprehensive Cyprus settlement. The UK strongly opposes any destabilising actions. We support the UN Security Council resolutions covering Varosha, the latest of which calls for the immediate reversal of the Turkish course of action and of all steps taken on Varosha since October 2020.

Answered
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