BORDER CROSSING IN CYPRUS

Early day motion 1191, tabled 12 May 2003 by Ann Winterton (Conservative). Signed by 17 members.

That this House welcomes the decision of the Council of Ministers of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus to enable border crossings between the two states in Cyprus in an attempt to overcome the crisis of confidence, one of the main obstacles obscuring efforts aimed at reaching a comprehensive settlement on the island; notes with approval the latest decision of the Council of Ministers to allow the Greek Cypriots to stay in the TRNC for a certain period of time; notes that this positive initiative proves once again that the Turkish Cypriot side is sincerely committed to reaching a settlement; urges the Greek Cypriots to accept the proposals forwarded by President Denktash to his Greek Cypriot counterpart with the aim of building confidence between the two parties; and hopes that the Greek Cypriot side will reciprocate this act of goodwill and not create obstacles that might hinder the smooth functioning of the crossings.

Signatures by party: Conservative 8, Labour 4, Liberal Democrat 3, Independent Conservative 1, UUP 1.