House of Commons Report on Cyprus

7.10.34pm UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 22nd Feb 2005

London Liberal Democrat Baroness Sarah Ludford MEP has welcomed the report on Cyprus today from the House of Commons Foreign Affairs Committee¹ which concludes that 'undertakings given to Turkish Cypriots by the international community must be honoured'.

Sarah Ludford said: "They have come to similar conclusions to those that I reached with my colleague Cllr Meral Ece after our visit to northern Cyprus 2 weeks ago, when we urged the EU to overcome the objections of the Republic of Cyprus and take a decision quickly on aid and trade measures to end the isolation of Turkish Cypriots."

"I am also pleased that MPs take up the issue of direct travel to northern Cyprus. They are right to ask the UK government to clarify whether it has the power to authorise direct passenger flights from the UK to northern Cyprus (Ercan airport) and if it does have that power, to announce a start date."

"MPs make a fair point in saying that 'there is as yet little evidence that the Republic of Cyprus has fully taken on board that its membership of the EU involves obligations, as well as opportunities' and urging it to 'adapt to European Union values and methods of working'."

ENDS

Note:

1. House of Commons Foreign Affairs Committee, Second Report of the Session 2004-2005, Cyprus, HC 113-1