asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs (a) the Government's policy in relation to the new separatist state in Cyprus; and (b) the Government's attitude to the United Nations debate on the territorial integrity of Cyprus.
Written Answers. - Government Policy on Cyprus.
199.
In response to the first part of his question, I would refer the Deputy to the statement issued by the Government on 15 November, the same day as the purported unilateral declaration of independence by the Turkish Cypriot Assembly. That statement read as follows:
The Government have learned with deep concern of the purported unilateral declaration of independence by the self-styled Turkish Federated State of Kibris. The Government reject this act, which is contrary to successive resolutions of the United Nations. The Government reaffirm their commitment to the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and unity of the Republic of Cyprus.
The Government believe that today's events represent a serious complicating factor in the search for a just and lasting solution to the problems of Cyprus. The inter-communal talks, held under the auspices of the Secretary General of the United Nations, offer the best hope towards that end and the Government urge all parties to respond positively to the recent efforts of the Secretary General to give a fresh impetus to these talks.
The following day, 16 November, Ireland joined with the other members of the European Community in issuing a joint statement which also expressed rejection of the declaration.
In relation to the second part of the Deputy's question, I am not entirely clear as to which debate he has in mind. Shortly after the Turkish Cypriot declaration the United Nations Security Council considered the matter. On 18 November the Security Council adopted Resolution 541 which, among other things, deplored the Turkish Cypriot declaration, considered that declaration as legally invalid, called for its withdrawal, called upon all States not to recognise any Cypriot State other than the Republic of Cyprus and called upon those concerned to co-operate fully with the Secretary General of the United Nations in his Mission of Good Offices. Ireland fully supports the implementation of that Resolution.
I should add that the General Assembly of the United Nations may yet debate the Cyprus issue at its current session but the timing of such a debate has not yet been finalised.