Dr Rudi Vis subsequently raised the matter with Foreign Secretary Jack Straw on 7 November 2005. The following letter was sent in response on his behalf by the Minister for Europe, Douglas Alexander.
29 November 2005
Dr Rudi Vis MP
House of Commons
London SW1A 0AA
Dear Dr Vis,
Thank you for your letter of 7 November to Jack Straw enclosing one from your constituent, Mrs Mary Karaolis, about the schooling, property and vehicle registration of Greek Cypriot residents of Rizokarpaso. I am replying as Minister for Europe.
I sympathise with the concerns of Mrs Karaolis for the Greek Cypriot community of Rizokarpaso. It is deeply regrettable that the island remains divided after so many years, with communities across the island continuing to suffer as a result. This Government remains committed to pursuing a comprehensive settlement in which the concerns of all communities are addressed.
Our High Commission in Nicosia has been closely following the specific issues Mrs Karaolis refers to in her letter. The High Commissioner has discussed them at senior official level with the Government of Cyprus, and we have raised them with the UN mission in Cyprus, UNFICYP.
UNFICYP has assured us that it is actively seeking to address these issues through dialogue with the Turkish Cypriot administration. The High Commission will also take the next appropriate opportunity to discuss them with the Turkish Cypriot leadership.
We will continue to pursue a just, viable and lasting settlement for the benefit of all Cypriots. We continue to strongly encourage all sides to show the necessary political will and readiness to negotiate, and to present their priorities to the UN so that negotiations may recommence.
Yours ever,
Douglas Alexander
Minister for Europe