H.E. Dr. Michalis Stavrinos:

Thank God, it has now gone away.

The discovery of huge amounts of gas offshore was a catalytic element. There are all of these global issues in the picture, including what is going on in the Middle East and further north, as well as in Europe, China and the United States. Therefore, having a safe alternative source of gas and, possibly, oil could be a game-changer. It is not only the amounts that were discovered off Cyprus but also those in the neighbouring exclusive economic zones of Israel, Egypt and, possibly, Lebanon. The assessment by American companies in the area is that the deposits already discovered could cover the needs of the European Union for many years to come. Of course, for all of them to be exploited we need a safe and secure environment, in which all actors involved in the Cyprus problem can play a role, including Turkey. As long as Cyprus remains an issue, it is naturally impossible to have any co-operation with Turkey on this matter. If the problem is solved based on the principles we mentioned in a commonly acceptable solution, why not co-operate with Turkey? After the problem is solved, the benefits will be the same for Greek and Turkish Cypriots alike.

The Turkish Cypriots look to Cyprus's membership of the European Union very positively. Suffice it to say all Turkish Cypriots, including the most notorious polemicist on the Turkish Cypriot side, the late Mr. Denktaş, held Republic of Cyprus passports and were, therefore, EU passport holders. All Turkish Cypriots are benefiting from holding these passports and can thus study at European universities while paying EU tuition fees. There are a significant number of Turkish Cypriots in Ireland who are using these passports; therefore, they enjoy the benefit of being EU citizens.

The only question concerns how Turkey can explain to Turkish Cypriots that they are being held hostage to its own policy, whereas Turkey wishes to become a member of the European Union at any cost. In solving the Cyprus problem, it should allow Turkish Cypriots to fully enjoy the benefits. It is only because of the buffer zone and the presence of 40,000 soldiers that Turkish Cypriots are not fully free to enjoy them. Despite the economic difficulties, a significant number of Turkish Cypriots are crossing to the free part in order to find employment. Of course, the current economic situation has affected both Greek and Turkish Cypriots.

The Famagusta project is a confidence-building measure which could offer benefits to everybody. As Deputy Eric Byrne said, it is a city which after so many years will have to be reconstructed from the beginning.

This will give a boost to economic activities on both sides through co-operation. It would be a new opening to the international world.

I was asked what the committee could offer. As I mentioned in my initial address, the committee could issue a statement supporting the starting of the negotiations, which the President was kind enough to do in the past, and also to express support for the proposal for Famagusta as something that was demanded by resolution of the UN and that has to be implemented. This will offer opportunity to everybody to enjoy the benefits. Finally, the visit either of a delegation of this committee or a broader one of the Parliament would be very beneficial.