To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they propose to transfer part of the sovereign base areas in Cyprus to assist a political settlement in the island. [HL864]

On 10 November 2009 the Government made an offer to the UN Good Offices Mission to cede 45 square miles, almost 50 per cent, of its sovereign base area land to a unified Cyprus. This offer would come into effect in the event of a solution, and it would be up to the two leaders to negotiate what happens to this land.

The land transfer would have no adverse impact on the functioning of the sovereign base areas.

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they are considering ceasing to be a guarantor power in Cyprus. [HL865]

The Government will be happy to discuss the issue of guarantees at the appropriate stage of the negotiations. We do not envisage being an obstacle to a solution proposed by the two leaders.