I want to refer to Cyprus. It is a pity negotiations between north and south Cyprus have effectively stalled. Many of us hoped the accession process would bring to bear the necessary pressure to bring about a modus vivendi between the two parts of Cyprus, and ideally end the illegal occupation of northern Cyprus by Turkey. We saw just a few months ago the obvious will of people on both sides of the artificial border to interact with each other when border crossings were opened for a time. The will of the people of Cyprus of both Greek and Turkish origin is clear. It is a pity the interests of several old men have been allowed to effectively place an immovable roadblock along the road to peaceful co-existence on the island. It would have been a great opportunity if the accession negotiations, or the carrot of accession, could have been used to bring about a lasting resolution of the issues. Perhaps when responding the Minister of State will indicate where things currently stand and whether they will remain hopelessly stalled this side of next May.