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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 15 Oct 1996

Vol. 470 No. 1

Written Answers. - Kurdish Conflict.

Ray Burke

Question:

133 Mr. R. Burke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the Government's and the EU's response to the killing of 118 Kurdish guerillas by Turkish security forces on 9 October 1996. [18586/96]

The Government remains seriously concerned over the number of deaths which have resulted from the ongoing struggle between Kurdish guerillas and the Turkish security forces. This conflict, which has lasted 12 years, has resulted in the deaths of 22,500 people, including Kurdish rebels, members of the security forces and civilians. We hope that intensive efforts could be made, on both sides, to seek a peaceful solution to the conflict.

While recognising the difficulties posed for the Turkish authorities by a sustained campaign of guerilla violence, we firmly believe 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 the Kurdish provinces 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. In common with our partners in the European Union, we have made it clear that observance of a state of law underlies the development of our relations with Turkey.

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