92001E2087

WRITTEN QUESTION P-2087/01

by Chris Davies (ELDR) to the Commission

(5 July 2001)

Subject: European Commission office in occupied Cyprus

Will the Commission state whether it intends to open an office in the occupied part of Cyprus, and, if so, what will be the intended purpose of this office, where is it hoped it will be located, what budget will be allocated towards its operation, how many staff will it employ, who will manage it, and who will be this person's line-manager?

If it is the intention of the Commission to open such an office, what has been the reaction of the Government of Cyprus and of the authorities in occupied Cyprus to the proposal?

Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission

(31 July 2001)

The Commission has a Delegation in Nicosia and has no intention of opening another representation in Cyprus.

As part of the Commission's efforts to inform the Turkish Cypriot community about the Union, the acquis and the benefits of membership, the Commission is planning to recruit a Turkish Cypriot local agent, who will be based in the Delegation in Nicosia under the management of the Head of Delegation.

The Commission is also examining with representatives of the business community, ways and means to improve the flow of information concerning the Union in the north.

The Government of the Republic of Cyprus supports these initiatives.