I have availed of all appropriate opportunities in bilateral contacts with the Turkish authorities to express the Government's deep concern about continued reports of human rights violations in Turkey. I have strongly supported the emphasis placed by the European Union on human rights issues in dialogue with Turkey. Ireland and her partners in the European Union have repeatedly made it clear that respect for the rule of law and the protection of human rights will continue to be the basis for the development of our relations with Turkey.
In present circumstances, we believe that the most effective way to pursue these issues is in the context of the Customs Union between the European Union and Turkey, which entered into force on 31 December last. The Customs Union is accompained by improved mechanisms for political dialogue with the Turkish authorities which facilitate the European Union's efforts to pursue these concerns with Turkey. The process of completing the Customs Union has already given significant impetus to reform in Turkey including the approval of a number of amendments to the Turkish Constitution in July of last year. Amendments have also been made to Article 8 of the Anti-Terror Law which have resulted in the release of a number of detainees. These changes are a step in the right direction. Our concern, in common with our EU partners, is to see that these reforms are implemented both rapidly and effectively. The outgoing Turkish Government gave assurances that they would continue the reform process. We will continue to urge their successors to pursue the same approach and to adopt and implement at an early date the further reforms necessary to ensure full respect for human rights.
