To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the contribution of the Stelios Award for business co-operation to the Government’s policy objectives in respect of bi-communal relations in Cyprus; and if he will make a statement. (313035)

The Government welcome the Stelios awards for business co-operation as a very positive example of how bi-communal events can bring Greek and Turkish Cypriots together. Our high commission in Nicosia actively supported the initiative, hosting a networking event at the high commissioner’s residence in July 2009 for members of the Cypriot business community looking to compete in the award. High commission staff were also active in promoting the awards, providing media support and advice for the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation’s own public relations team and making sure the event got as much publicity as possible.