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Human Rights Issues

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 26 June 2013

Wednesday, 26 June 2013

Questions (23, 25, 40, 51, 63)

Patrick O'Donovan

Question:

23. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade in view of the recent events in Turkey, if he is satisfied that the criteria set out in that country's efforts to become a member of the European Union are being met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30488/13]

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Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

25. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he is monitoring the ongoing protests and street demonstrations in Turkey; if his attention has been drawn to allegations that the Turkish police have fired extra strong tear gas and used acid in water cannons aimed at protesters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30760/13]

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Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

40. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on the engagements of his Department's officials with their counterparts in the European Union and elsewhere in respect of the ongoing protests in Turkey; if he will be recommending engagement between governments of the European Union member states and the authorities in Turkey to resolve the ongoing problems being experienced there; and if he has been contacted by the Turkish Trade Union and Social Democratic People's Party regarding the current crisis. [30484/13]

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Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

51. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will condemn the violent assault on protestors in Turkey which has resulted in the deaths and injuries of many young persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30754/13]

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Brian Stanley

Question:

63. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has discussed the ongoing protests and street demonstrations in Turkey with the Turkish embassy in Dublin and with his counterparts in the EU; and his views on whether the Turkish Government’s response to the protests and street demonstrations will affect Turkey’s EU accession talks. [30762/13]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 23, 25, 40, 51 and 63 together.

I am deeply concerned by the violent clashes which have been taking place in Turkey. Pluralism of opinion, freedom of expression, and the right to peaceful protest, should be part of every democracy, alongside the rule of law. The disproportionate use of force by the police against mostly peaceful demonstrators has been deeply disturbing and should be thoroughly investigated. Those responsible should be held fully accountable before the law.

In order to avoid any further escalation and to restore calm, it is imperative that the Turkish government engages fully with the protestors. I understand that Prime Minister Erdoan met representatives of the protestors on two occasions. This is to be welcomed, as is his offer of public consultation on the future of Gezi Park.

However, it is clear at this stage that the protestors now have a broader agenda seeking greater freedoms, and protesting excessive police violence. I would urge the Turkish government to address these legitimate concerns also. I would also call on the government to refrain from using divisive language. I urge all sides to show calm and restraint in the period ahead.

I spoke with the Turkish Foreign Minister by phone earlier this month and expressed my concern at the heavy handed police response to protestors. While, personally, I have not had any direct contacts with Turkish trade unions in recent days, my Department, and the Irish Embassy in Ankara, continue to monitor the situation closely, and to liaise with counterparts on developments. I engaged with my EU counterparts at Council this week, and there was general agreement that developments in Turkey are of deep concern.

Turkey is a candidate for membership of the EU. As such it is expected to uphold the democratic values of the EU. Ireland has long been supportive of Turkish EU membership, and the Irish Presidency has been active in efforts to reinvigorate the accession process. We believe that the EU accession process exercises a positive influence on Turkey. Significant reforms, inspired by the accession process, have been undertaken. However, the demonstrations show that Turkey remains a country in transition and that, while a space for civil society has been opened up, further reform is needed.

Now is not the time to weaken the hand of the reformers by turning our back on Turkey. This would not serve the aims of the civil society demonstrators. We should be strengthening the hand of the reformers by ensuring that accession – which is a lengthy process with some distance to run – continues. This is not the moment to disengage from Turkey, but to engage more closely. We should continue to focus on pursuing the accession process, while at the same time pressing Turkey to live up to its commitments.

Question No. 24 answered with Question No. 8.
Question No. 25 answered with Question No. 23.
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