Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the ambassador for his presentation. Of course, there have been very good relationships between our country and Cyprus over the years. In 2001, a resident ambassador to Cyprus was appointed. We held the Presidency in 2004 when Cyprus acceded to the EU. The ambassador mentioned the Turkish application for membership of the EU. When he discussed this matter with the European enlargement Commissioner, what was his response in respect of the point made by the ambassador where the sovereignty of a member state is breached by a country with an application for membership under consideration?

Under whose auspices were the referenda referred to by the ambassador held in 2004? As the Chairman said, the renewed interest is welcome, and it is to be hoped substantial progress can be made. Is there a deadline or timeline where it is hoped that negotiations could conclude successfully? What is the status of the Security Council resolution referred to by the ambassador relating the return of the city of Famagusta to its legitimate citizens?