Simon Coveney
Ceist:39 Mr. Coveney asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the Government's position regarding leisure and commercial contacts by Irish citizens with the northern part of Cyprus. [14998/02]
Written Answers. - Foreign Conflicts.
UN Security Council Resolution 541 of 18 November 1983 calls upon all member states not to recognise any Cypriot State other than the Republic of Cyprus and UN Security Council Resolution 550 of 11 May 1984 calls on states not to recognise the purported state of the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus" set up by secessionist acts and calls upon them not to facilitate or in any way assist the aforesaid secessionist entity. Security Council resolutions are binding on all UN member states. The Government therefore does not facilitate activities which promote the economic development of the northern part of Cyprus.
UN sponsored talks aimed at finding a solution to the partition of Cyprus have been taking place since January of this year. UN Secretary General Kofi Annan has asked the parties to focus on the "core issues" including territory, property, security and governance. The Government supports this process and urges both sides to engage fully with the issues in a constructive and open frame of mind.