Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 18 Oct 1995

Vol. 457 No. 2

Written Answers. - EU Link with Turkey.

Ben Briscoe

Question:

28 Mr. Briscoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the Government's position regarding the proposed customs union between the EU and Turkey, particularly in view of Turkey's treatment of the Kurds within its own borders. [14850/95]

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Spring)

The customs union between the European Community and Turkey is due to enter into force on 1 January 1996 subject to the assent of the European Parliament being forthcoming before that date.

The Government supports the conclusion of the customs union which is a key element in the European Union's strategy to support the democratisation process and promote improvements in the human rights situation in Turkey. The customs union is intended to enhance the framework for economic development in Turkey, and thereby help to foster a more favourable climate for acceleration of the internal reform process. By developing Turkey's links with Europe, Turkey's European orientation should be strengthened and the European Union's capacity to exercise a positive influence on developments in that country enhanced. The closer relations with the European Union which the customs union will bring should reinforce the position of those elements in Turkey which are striving for the application of European standards in relation to human rights. The customs union will be accompanied by improved mechanisms for political dialogue, which will facilitate the EU's efforts to pursue its concerns on these issues with the Turkish authorities.

The Government remains very concerned, nevertheless, about continued reports of human rights violations in Turkey. In common with our partners in the European Union, we have made it clear that observance of a state of law and of fundamental liberties underlie the development of our relations with Turkey. While recognising the difficulties posed by a sustained campaign of violence, we have insisted that the fight against terrorism must be conducted within the law and with full respect for human rights. The Government believes, moreover, that the situation in south-east Turkey should not be approached purely as a security problem and has called for a political settlement which, while respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Turkish state, would allow for appropriate expression of the Kurdish cultural identity.

I hope that the present constitutional review initiative in Turkey will contribute substantially to the process of reform. The initial package of constitutional amendments adopted last July is a step in the right direction. More needs to be done, however, particularly in relation to freedom of expression and protection of civil liberties. The outgoing Turkish Government indicated that it would seek the Turkish Parliament's approval of further reforms in these areas. I hope that its successor will pursue the same approach and that necessary reforms will be adopted and implemented at an early date.