Vol. 501 No. 6
133 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the discussions he has had with his European counterparts in relation to the issues surrounding the Turkish arrest of Abdullah Ocalan and the consequences for the enlargement of the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5986/99]
At the EU Foreign Affairs Council on 22 February, which I attended, the issue of Ocalan was discussed. Following our discussion a declaration was issued in the name of the Union which took note of the assurance of the Turkish Government that Abdullah Ocalan would have a fair trial. However, the Union made clear that it expected this to mean fair and correct treatment and an open trial according to the rule of law before an independent court, with access to legal counsel of his choice and with international observers admitted to the trial. We also underlined once more our strict opposition to the death penalty.
As regards the demonstrations by Kurdish supporters, the EU strongly deplored the fact that the arrest of Abdullah Ocalan had sparked massive unrest and violent acts which has resulted in death, hostage-taking, intimidation and extensive destruction. We reaffirmed our position that such acts of violence are inadmissible and under no circumstances tolerable.
The EU again condemned all forms of terrorism and stated that the legitimate fight against terrorism must be conducted in full respect of human rights, the rule of law and democratic norms. We emphasised that legitimate interests must be expressed through a political process, not through violence.
