Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 9 Mar 1993

Vol. 427 No. 6

Written Answers. - Turkish Parliament Member.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

61 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been drawn to concerns that have been expressed about the safety and security of a Kurdish independent member of the Turkish Parliament (details supplied), who has been threatened with death, both in writing and orally, because of her political activities and because of her involvement in investigations into human rights violations against Turkey's Kurdish minority; and if, since those making the threats include the gendarmerie commander of the parliamentary district which she represents, he will raise the issue with, and express concern to, the Turkish Government.

Liz McManus

Ceist:

62 Ms McManus asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make representations to the Turkish authorities on behalf of a Turkish parliamentarian, Leyla Zana, who faces possible charges which carry the death penalty.

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Spring)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 61 and 62 together.

Ireland together with its partners in the European Community has made clear to the Turkish authorities on many occasions the importance which the Community attaches to respect for human rights and to observance by Turkey of its international commitments in this area. A dialogue on human rights issues forms an integral part of relations between the European Community and Turkey.

Ms. Leyla Zana, to whom the questions refer, is a prominent member of Turkey's Grand National Assembly, of Kurdish origin. Both nationally and through the European Community we have particularly stressed to the Turkish side our concern that unrest in Kurdish areas of Turkey should be addressed from the political point of view.

According to the information available to me, Ms. Zana currently faces judicial proceedings under an Article of the Turkish penal code under which the death penalty can be applied. Attempts are being made to have her parliamentary immunity lifted. In a separate process, the political party to which she belongs risks exclusion from Parliament for alleged violations of the law on political parties. As Deputy O'Keeffe's question makes clear, there are reports that Ms. Zana personal safety is at risk.

I intend to keep under review the various aspects of this case.

I share Deputies' concern at the implications of a lifting of parliamentary immunity. This I understand is also a widely shared view among Turkish parliamentarians. I am equally concerned that the Turkish authorities, in view of the publicity and dangers surrounding this case, should take steps to ensure the personal safety of Ms. Zana. These concerns will be conveyed to the Turkish authorities.