Ireland has continued to work with our partners in the European Union to ensure that our concerns about the human rights situation of Kurds are raised with the relevant Governments in the region. The military conflict in Iraq has heightened the tensions among Kurdish populations in Iraq and neighbouring states. The Government is concerned about the potential impact of the conflict on Kurdish populations and will continue to urge all parties to exercise the greatest care to ensure that the rights and physical security of these populations are fully respected. The European Council in Brussels on 20 March 2003 reaffirmed the commitment of the EU to the territorial integrity, sovereignty, political stability and full and effective disarmament of Iraq in all its territory, as well as respect for the rights of the Iraqi people, including all persons belonging to minorities. It confirmed that the EU will actively engage in supporting regional stability and called on all countries of the region to refrain from actions that could lead to further instability.
As regards Turkey, which is a candidate country for membership of the European Union, we have regularly expressed our concerns on issues relating specifically to the situation of Kurds and the general human rights situation. I have welcomed the human rights reforms adopted in Turkey in 2002, which included the abolition of the death penalty, lifting of states of emergency and authorising of broadcasting and education in languages other than Turkish. These measures, if fully implemented, will enhance the cultural and ethnic rights of all citizens, including those of Kurdish origin. I hope the new Turkish Government will take all the steps necessary to adopt the remaining implementing regulations as soon as possible.