Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 5 Nov 1997

Vol. 482 No. 4

Written Answers - Kurdish Conflict.

Seán Power

Question:

74 Mr. Power asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a member of the PKK terrorist organisation admitted that he had been trained in Greece before carrying out terrorist activities in Turkey; if so, if the matter has been discussed at EU level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18337/97]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Andrews)

I am aware of the article published in the British newspaper The Observer which reported allegations by a former PKK militant that he had been trained by the PKK in Greece prior to carrying out terrorist activities in Turkey. I do not propose to comment on allegations in a newspaper article. I am, however, aware that the Turkish authorities asked the Greek authorities to provide information and an explanation in regard to the press report and that a Greek Government spokesman is reported as having stated that the contents of the article were false.

I can also inform the Deputy that the matter raised by this press article has not been discussed at EU level. The position of the European Union on terrorism is clear and well-known. We are resolved to combat terrorist activities whatever their origin and to co-operate with the international community to develop strategies in the fight against terrorism at both the regional and international level.

As regards the ongoing campaign of the Kurdish terrorists against the Turkish authorities, this conflict has lasted more than 12 years and resulted in the deaths of over 22,000 people, including Kurdish guerrillas, members of the Turkish security forces and innocent civilians. With our partners in the EU we have urged that efforts should be made to seek a political solution rather than a military solution to the Kurdish question.