Confidence Building Measures In Cyprus

EDM number 1572 in 2003-04, proposed by Edward O'Hara on 21/07/2004.

That this House congratulates the National Federation of Cypriots in Great Britain on their well attended and peaceful march and demonstration in Trafalgar Square on Sunday 18th July; notes the passion and commends the dignity with which they expressed the reasons, not the least being fears for their security, for their rejection of the Annan 5 proposal for the settlement of the Cyprus problem; welcomes the announcement by the Cyprus Government of a series of military confidence building measures aimed at developing a sense of security among Greek and Turkish Cypriots, including the opening of eight additional crossing points along the ceasefire line, disengagement of military forces from the walled part of the capital Nicosia and from the wider Dherinia-Famagusta and Strovilia areas, demining of mined areas by both sides, return of the fenced area of Famagusta to its lawful owners, common operation of the Famagusta port and restriction of military exercises; endorses the view of the Cypriot Government that these initiatives provide the necessary basis for the creation of conditions of security and trust among Greek and Turkish Cypriots and contribute to the efforts to achieve a political settlement of the Cyprus problem; and urges the Turkish Cypriot leadership, the Turkish Government, the British Government, the European Union and the Secretary General of the United Nations to respond positively to and to build upon these confidence building measures.

This motion has been signed by a total of 25 MPs, 1 of these signatures have been withdrawn.