Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will have discussions with his international counterparts on the appointment of a special envoy to re-start the reunification process in Cyprus.

The UK remains committed to supporting the UN efforts to reach a Cyprus settlement. On 15 November, the Foreign Secretary and the Cypriot Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides agreed to work closely together for a just and lasting solution to the Cyprus settlement process within the UN parameters. There remain very significant differences between the parties' positions. However, we continue to believe that, with flexibility, sufficient common ground to start formal negotiations can be found. The appointment of an envoy is a matter for the UN Secretary-General, in consultation with the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot leaders.