Vol. 467 No. 7
43 Mr. Sargent asked the asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, in view of the murder of candidates advocating democracy for Kurds in a previous election in Turkey, the Government's position with regard to such human rights abuses and towards the Turkish Government. [14410/96]
The Government remains very concerned 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 rule 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.
The process of completing the customs union with Turkey 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 has 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 and Ireland, as Presidency of the EU, will seek assurances from the New Turkish Government that they will continue to pursue the reform process.
