Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 40: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the tensions in Cyprus arising from the arrests on the 12 March 2011 in the city of Famagusta; the extent to which the EU has endeavoured to assist; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11087/11]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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We have received reports, including from our Embassy in Cyprus, regarding the arrest of a group of people by Turkish military personnel in Famagusta, northern Cyprus on 12 March. Those arrested included four members of the European Parliament, a clergyman and two other citizens of the Republic of Cyprus. It is reported that on 12 March some of the group entered a church in Varosha, the fenced-off area of Famagusta, where they were arrested by the Turkish Army. The visit to the church was part of a trip organised by a Cypriot MEP to check on damage to Christian churches in the occupied part of the island.

Most detainees were released shortly after their arrest. However, two Greek Cypriots were tried and found guilty of allegedly entering a restricted military zone, and were released on 14 March after paying a fine.

We understand that spokespersons for Commissioner Füle and European Parliament President Buzek expressed regret at the detention of the MEPs and welcomed their subsequent release. We are not aware, however, that this matter has been the subject of specific representations at EU level.

Ireland continues to encourage both sides to work for progress towards the achievement of a bi-zonal, bi-communal federal state through an honourable, balanced and durable settlement protecting and guaranteeing the basic rights of all Cypriots.