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Northern Cyprus

Volume 714: debated on Monday 9 November 2009

Questions

Asked by

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the Turkish Cypriot authorities in Northern Cyprus have facilitated visits to St Andreas Monastery in the Karpas Peninsular by Greek Cypriots from southern Cyprus. [HL5997]

HMG are not aware of the Turkish Cypriot authorities having facilitated visits to St Andreas Monastery in the Karpas Peninsular but nor are HMG aware of Greek Cypriots experiencing any problems visiting the monastery.

Asked by

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of progress in the provision of schools for Greek Cypriot children living in Turkish Cyprus. [HL5998]

HMG welcome the establishment of a school for Greek Cypriot children in Rizokarpaso. HMG would support steps to further improve access to education for Greek Cypriot children living in the north.

Asked by

To ask Her Majesty's Government what restrictions the Greek Cypriot authorities have placed upon the disbursement of the €259 million package of European Union assistance intended for Turkish Cypriots in Northern Cyprus; and how much of that package remains to be disbursed. [HL6000]

By the end of September 2009, the Commission had contracted €133.9 million (52 per cent of the overall programme) and endorsed €45.5 million for payment (18 per cent of the programme). Tangible projects such as providing modern equipment to farmers, funding scholarships for students, improving traffic safety and replacing asbestos water pipes have already started and are making a real difference to the lives of ordinary Turkish Cypriots.

Asked by

To ask Her Majesty's Government what progress the European Union has made regarding the position of Turkish Cyprus following their support for the Annan plan. [HL6001]

The EU has adopted a financial aid regulation and a green line trade regulation, in support of efforts to facilitate the reunification of Cyprus by encouraging the economic development of the Turkish Cypriot community. The volume of cross green line trade, while still modest, is rising. The financial aid regulation is now delivering tangible projects which will benefit the Turkish Cypriot community. The UK continues to support efforts to bring Turkish Cypriots closer to Europe through further trade liberalisation.