A debate on problems of Cyprus continued at the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday (8 November) with a denial from the Turkish Ambassador, Ilter Turkmen, that more Turks were being 'imported' into Cyprus. Greek Cypriots have accused the Turkish Cypriots of boosting their population for political reasons. Cyprus has been divided into distinct Greek and Turkish areas, each with its own government, since the Turks invaded in 1974. The basis for the debate is a resolution which calls for talks between the two communities to try and bring them together under a common government.

SYNOPSIS: Mr Turkmen gave reasons for his denial of the 'importation' of more Turks into Cyprus.

Some Turkish Cypriots who had emigrated to Turkey, Britain and other Commonwealth countries over the past years in order to liberate themselves from the Greek oppression have also been given the opportunity to return to their homeland.

Britain's United Nations Ambassador Ivor Richards, said it was time both parties held constructive talks.

Next to speak was Iran's ambassador, Foreydown Hoveyda. He told the assembly that despite certain encouraging developments in Cyprus, such as the resumption of dialogue between the Greek and Turkish communities, the problems still remained. But he said there was no need to feel too discouraged. Mr Hoveyda said there was in fact, a large measure of consensus on certain fundamental issues, and this would go a long way towards solving the problems in Cyprus.

The debate on the issue was to continue.