Hansard

Cyprus: Human Rights

Volume 695: debated on Wednesday 10 October 2007

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Lord Maginnis of Drumglass

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord Malloch-Brown on 1 October (WA 129), whether human rights protections afforded to Turkish Cypriots differ from those accorded to other European Union members. [HL5314]

The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office
(Lord Malloch-Brown)

The European Convention on Human Rights applies to all individuals within the jurisdiction of a party to the European Convention on Human Rights. The suspension of the EU acquis has meant that Turkish Cypriots have been unable to benefit from the usual advantages of EU membership.

We continue to support the commitment of EU Foreign Ministers in April 2004 to end Turkish Cypriot isolation and facilitate the reunification of Cyprus by encouraging the economic development of the Turkish Cypriot community. The Financial Aid Regulation is an important step towards this goal and represents the biggest EU aid programme per capita. The practical projects it funds have the potential to make a real difference to the lives of ordinary Turkish Cypriots.

Lord Maginnis of Drumglass

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord Malloch-Brown on 1 October (WA 129), whether, as a guarantor power, they have carried out any recent assessment of the suffering endured by both communities since the EOKA (National Organisation of Cypriot Fighters) B rebellion; and what assessment they have made of the level of human rights enjoyed by each tradition in Cyprus since 1963. [HL5315]

Lord Malloch-Brown

The Government have not made any recent assessments of the suffering endured by both communities during the period 1963-74. However, the Committee for Missing Persons in Cyprus continues to carry out important work in identifying and returning the remains of those who lost their lives during this period. We hope that this process will promote reconciliation between the communities. Issues such as this that continue to divide the two parties will fully be resolved only through a comprehensive and durable solution.

The European Convention on Human Rights applies to all individuals within the jurisdiction of a party to the European Convention on Human Rights.