Examination of Witnesses (Questions 80-81)
RT HON
GEOFFREY HOON,
MR ANTHONY
SMITH AND
MS SHAN
MORGAN
12 JULY 2006
Q80 Michael Connarty: Can I ask one
final related question on the ongoing macro resolution to the
Cyprus dilemma. Since it was the Greek Cypriots, some would say
with the encouragement of the Greek Government and Greek politicians,
who rejected the Annan Plan, do you think it is correct that the
Council, as I understand, implies that Turkey is the party who
is undermining good neighbourhood relations in their attitude
to shipping and other matters?
Mr Hoon: I do not think that is
the Council's position. In a sense, I was alluding to the very
point that you are making when I was talking about the strategic
significance of Turkey. I believe Turkey has exercised its responsibilities
in this area with commendable success in recent times. They have
faced a number of very difficult decisions, and I believe they
have taken decisions which perhaps previous Turkish Governments
might not have taken. Therefore, I think they are to be congratulated
about their strength of purpose. There are going to be, as I have
made clear, issues which will be difficult for Turkey, as always
is the case for candidate countries. I do not want to anticipate
what they are because I think those are issues that we will have
to resolve nearer the time.
Q81 Michael Connarty: Can I thank
you, Minister, for the time you have given us. It has been very
lengthy. I can assure you, I have taken a number of sections out
of the matters of interest which you had expressed before you
came for questions, so we still have much to work on. I think
everyone here is willing, regardless of their conclusions on the
purpose or even the lack of purpose of the EU, to work with you.
We hope we will see you back here again and again.
Mr Hoon: I am extremely grateful,
not least because it is the first time I have appeared in front
of a committee which has finished early. I am grateful to you.
Michael Connarty: Thank you very much.
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