Róisín Shortall
Ceist:20 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the current situation in Cyprus. [8479/00]
Written Answers. - Foreign Conflicts.
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 started on December 3. A second round of talks was held from 31 January to 8 February. 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.
Relationships between the two sides have steadily improved since Greece responded very generously to Turkish humanitarian requirements following the August 1999 earthquake and Turkey sent aid following a subsequent earthquake in Greece. In December, Greece ended its veto on Turkey acquiring the status of a candidate for EU membership.
The rapprochement has reached a new level with the signing by Greece and Turkey of several accords in recent months on issues such as illegal immigration and terrorism, organised crime, the environment, double taxation and tourism. The two sides have also discussed the possibility of mounting a joint bid for the 2008 European football championships.
Talks on the Cyprus problem are to restart in New York in May. The UN mediator Alvaro De Soto has confirmed that the next round like the previous ones, will be based on indirect meetings.
The Government fully supports the efforts of the United Nations to achieve a political solution to the Cyprus question. We believe the UN framework of a bi-zonal, bi-communal, federal approach remains the appropriate one for an eventual settlement.
The Government also believes that the prospect of accession by Cyprus to the EU provides both the incentive and the opportunity for serious efforts to find a comprehensive settlement to the Cyprus question. Ireland will continue to give every support to the efforts of the UN to advance the process towards a political settlement and we will continue to work actively to assist Cyprus on its path towards EU accession.