Vol. 518 No. 6
165 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the Government's policy towards the forthcoming talks in New York, under the aegis of the United Nations, to resolve the conflict between Turkish and Greek Cypriots. [13016/00]
The Government fully supports the efforts of the UN to advance the process towards a political settle ment in Cyprus in the current round of talks between both sides. Although the backdrop to the talks has improved following the recent improvement in Greek-Turkish relations, it is difficult to predict the likelihood of substantial progress being achieved. The Government has urged the parties to make every effort to move the process forward. It has also made clear to them and to the United Nations that Ireland is ready to provide any assistance which would be considered useful in promoting progress.
In November 1999, Turkish-Cypriot leader Denktash agreed to take part in UN-sponsored indirect or proximity talks with Cypriot President Glafeos Clerides. These proximity talks took place from 3 to 14 December. A second round of talks was held from 31 January to 8 February this year. The purpose of these two rounds of talks was to prepare the groundwork for comprehensive negotiations. Four core issues are on the table in these discussions: security, territory, property, including compensation, and distribution of powers. The talks are due to restart in New York later this month, but they may be postponed due to the illness of President Clerides. The UN mediator, Alvaro De Soto, has confirmed that the next round of talks will also be based on indirect meetings.
The Government believes that the UN framework of a bi-zonal, bi-communal, federal approach remains the appropriate one for an eventual settlement to the Cyprus issue. We have a particular interest in a successful outcome to the peace process. Ireland has contributed from the outset to the UN peacekeeping operation in Cyprus and we currently have 20 personnel with UNFICYP. The Government hopes that the recent positive developments in Greek-Turkish relations can be built upon and that these developments will help to facilitate concrete progress towards a settlement in Cyprus.
