Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 14 Jun 1990

Vol. 399 No. 12

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Contacts with Cyprus.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

8 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has had any discussions with the Cypriot Government, in his capacity as Minister for Foreign Affairs or as Chairman of the EC Council of Ministers; if he has taken a position on the application for membership of the EC by Cyprus; if he had any plans for developing contacts with the Cypriots with a view to assisting the finding of a peaceful solution to that country's problems; if he will outline the Government's attitude to the status of the area under Turkish occupation and the position of Irish public representatives who visit the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The Taoiseach

The Minister for Foreign Affairs met the Cypriot Foreign Minister, Mr. George Iacovou, on 8 March 1990 in the framework of EPC consultations between the EC Presidency and Cyprus in his capacity as President-in-Office of the Council of Ministers. He also met the Cypriot Foreign Minister in the same capacity at an Association Council between Cyprus and the Community which was held in Brussels on 7 May 1990.

It is open to Cyprus to apply for membership of the Community. If such an application is made it will be referred to the Commission for an opinion in accordance with the normal procedure in such cases.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs meets the Foreign Minister of Cyprus frequently on other occasions also and of course we are in constant diplomatic contact with the Government of Cyprus. Ireland has accredited an Ambassador to Cyprus and Cyprus has an Ambassador accredited here.

The Twelve view with great concern the lack of progress in finding a lasting solution to the Cyprus problem. We support the sovereignty, territorial integrity, unity and independence of Cyprus. This was most recently reaffirmed in a statement of the European Council which met in Dublin on 28 April last. The Twelve expressed their deep concern at the present situation and stressed the need for a prompt resumption of the inter-communal talks on the basis of the mission of good offices of the Secretary General of the UN, as was recently reaffirmed by Resolution 649/90 of the UN Security Council.

Along with our EC partners we are opposed to any effort to partition Cyprus. Neither Ireland nor any other member state of the Twelve recognises what is called the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus" as a state. In consequence, it is Irish policy to avoid action that might be construed as lending even tacit recognition or support to that "state". I have no doubt that Members of the Oireachtas would wish to avoid taking any action which would be construed as lending such recognition or support.

Proinsias De Rossa

I thank the Taoiseach for his extensive reply and I should like to ask him if Cyprus indicated it was contemplating applying formally to the European Community for membership and if the Minister for Foreign Affairs indicated, either in his capacity as President of the Council or as Irish Foreign Minister, that Ireland would support such an application.

The Taoiseach

The Deputy can take it that the question of an application by Cyprus and, indeed, by Malta is very much on the cards. It would be premature for us to make a commitment of one kind or another at this stage.

Proinsias De Rossa

There is no reason that the Taoiseach knows of that would preclude such an application from an Irish point of view?

The Taoiseach

No, it is constantly on the agenda.

Proinsias De Rossa

In relation to the question of northern Cyprus, I should like to ask the Taoiseach if, apart from the Twelve expressing their view on the matter of the talks getting under way. under the auspices of the Secretary General of the UN, any specific action has been taken such as approaching the Secretary General or the parties concerned with a view to getting the talks underway. In relation to visits to northern Cyprus by Irish Members of Parliament, I should like to ask the Taoiseach if he is aware that a senior member of his party recently visited northern Cyprus. Will the Taoiseach consider circulating the Government's view on this matter to all Members of the Oireachtas?

The Taoiseach

Yes, I will consider something of that kind but the exchange may direct attention to the wish of the Government in this regard. The Deputy can take it that every support possible is being given to the UN Secretary General in this matter. This is a tangled situation, there is a lot of coming and going, negotiations are being broken off and started again and so on. We all have a fairly clear view of what is desirable and would support the UN Secretary General.

Proinsias De Rossa

Since Greece is already a member of the European Community, and Cyprus and Turkey have indicated an interest in joining, will the Taoiseach agree that the European Community has a particular leverage with all parties concerned? May I assume that the leverage is being used?

The Taoiseach

Yes.