Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 5 Mar 2003

Vol. 562 No. 5

Written Answers - Kurdish Peace Initiative.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

192 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the Government's position on the Kurdish peace initiative; if he has had communications with the Turkish authorities or Kurdish representatives regarding same; the Government's concerns regarding the effect of resumption of war on Iraq on the Kurdish population in Turkey; if the Government has sought or received assurances from the Turkish Government regarding the Kurdish populations in both Iraq and Turkey in the event of war in Iraq; if the Government has sought or received assurances from the United State's Government in relation to this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6518/03]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Cowen)

In recent weeks Kurdish representatives in Turkey, northern Iraq, Europe and the US have drawn attention to serious concerns at the implications for Kurds of any hostilities in Iraq. On 25 February the regional assembly in northern Iraq voted unanimously for a resolution calling on neighbouring states not to intervene militarily in Iraq. A number of Kurdish organisations and individuals worldwide have also issued appeals against the involvement of any neighbouring country in northern Iraq.

The position of the Kurds is an issue that arises in any substantive discussion of the Iraqi situation. The Government has continued to work with our partners in the EU to ensure that our concerns about the human rights of Kurds are raised in contacts with the relevant Governments in the region. I welcomed the human rights reforms adopted in Turkey during 2002 which, if fully implemented, will enhance the cultural and ethnic rights of all citizens, including those of Kurdish origin. The embassy in Ankara continues to monitor human rights in Turkey. I recognise that the recent heightened tensions have increased the level of concern among Kurds throughout the region.

The Government has spoken out and used its influence at every opportunity to underline the need for a peaceful solution to the Iraqi crisis, and the avoidance of a situation in which concerns such as those being voiced by many Kurdish people could be realised. In addition to the threat of large scale loss of life, I have called attention to the risk that conflict could destabilise a region which is already volatile. I continue to believe that it is possible for the situation in Iraq to be resolved without resort to the use of force. I again call on the Iraqi authorities to comply immediately and fully with their obligations.

The Government is concerned about the potential impact of military action on Kurdish populations in the region. It will continue to urge all Governments involved to exercise the greatest care to ensure that the rights and physical security of these populations are fully respected.

Question No. 193 answered with Question No. 168.