CYPRUS NEGOTIATIONS

Early day motion 912, tabled 25 March 2004 by Edward O'Hara (Labour). Signed by 38 members.

That this House supports the efforts of the United Nations Secretary General, within the context of his good offices mission, to find a just, functional and viable solution to the Cyprus problem on the basis of international law and the United Nations Security Council resolutions on Cyprus and compatible with the acquis communautaire and the founding principles of the European Union; is concerned that such a solution should guarantee respect for the human rights of all Cypriots, the rule of law and the functioning of democratic institutions in Cyprus; cannot accept as part of that solution any permanent derogations from the principles on which the European Union is founded; regrets that the Turkish side has been pressing for such derogations; and believes that the solution should be the result of substantive negotiations between the leaders of the two communities on the basis of the Secretary General's plan, so that the people of Cyprus will be able to accept it through a free and fair referendum, thus allowing a reunited Cyprus to enter the European Union in the interest of all Cypriots on 1st May.

Signatures by party: Labour 31, Conservative 2, Labour/Co-operative 2, Liberal Democrat 2, Plaid Cymru 1.