Vol. 449 No. 6
11 Kathleen Lynch asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the fact that according to Amnesty International the number of disappearances in south east Turkey doubled in 1994 while the incidence of torture and death in custody also rose; if he intends raising Turkish human rights violations in the European Union in view of Turkey's desire to join the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4042/95]
41 Mr. E. Byrne asked the asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, in view of the human rights violations reported in Turkey, if he will support a CSCE mission being sent to Turkey under the Moscow Mechanism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [
I propose to take Questions Nos. 11 and 41 together.
I have availed of all appropriate opportunities in bilateral contacts with the Turkish authorities to express the Government's deep concern about continued reports of human rights violations in Turkey such as those reported by Amnesty International. In line with this approach, I have strongly supported the emphasis placed by the European Union on human rights issues in dialogue with Turkey. The Union has stressed that observance of a state of law and basic liberties underlie the development of relations between the EU and Turkey and wishes to see rapid implementation of the plans for the exercise of public freedoms recently put forward by the Turkish Prime Minister. While the EU has repeatedly condemned terrorist acts in Turkey and is conscious of the problems that these acts pose for the Turkish authorities, it has made it clear that it expects the fight against terrorism to be conducted within the law and with full respect for human rights.
In addition to raising the matter bilaterally, the EU is pursuing its concerns about human rights in Turkey in all appropriate internationnal organisations and fora, including at the session of the UN Commission on Human Rights which is currently taking place in Geneva. The EU has also called on Turkey to grant access to an OSCE human rights mission. The option of further steps under the Moscow Mechanism is a possibility which, in consultation with our EU partners and other like-minded OSCE participating countries, we are keeping under active consideration in the light of developments.
While I fully recognise that the Minister has expressed concern both publicly and privately in discussions with the Turkish authorities I am concerned that we are trying to reach agreement on treaties on trade with Turkey which will benefit Ireland more than Turkey. We must never allow distance colour our view of human rights. Now that we have secured a fragile peace in Ireland we must not enter any discussions with the Turkish Government while the human rights violations continue. Amnesty International, which does not have any axe to grind, strongly argues that the Turkish Government is hell bent on pursuing a campaign of genocide. The Minister should use his influence at European Union level and ensure that we do not cajole or coax the Turkish Government but rather lay it on the line that we will not participate in any discussions.
On the question of our concern about human rights abuses, distance is not a factor. We are concerned about such abuses no matter where they occur. We are in the process of setting up a specialist unit within the Department of Foreign Affairs to deal with human rights matters. Additional resources have been provided in the budget for this purpose. This is the best way of dealing with and monitoring human rights issues on a global basis.
On the question of the European Union's relationship with Turkey I have conveyed our concern to Turkish Ministers in bilateral contacts and we will continue to do so. In relation to Turkey's application for European Union membership, the European Commission delivered a negative opinion for both political and economic reasons in 1989 but stressed that the Union had a fundamental interest in intensifying relations with Turkey and recommended a wide range of measures aimed at deepening mutual relations. This has been restated at European Councils in Lisbon and Copenhagen. I hope progress can be made.
With our European Union partners, we are conscious of the desirability of encouraging greater involvement by Turkey in European affairs to strengthen the position of those elements in Turkey which are striving to achieve the application of European standards in terms of human rights and democracy. A closer relationship with Turkey which will result from the Customs Union will strengthen the capacity of the European Union to exercise a positive influence on Turkey.
The Kurds on the international borders of Iran, Iraq and Turkey see themselves as a nationless people. For decades they have been subjected to merciless treatment. Does the Minister agree that it is now time for international bodies such as the OSCE or Members of this Parliament to visit Kurdish regions, particularly south east Turkey? Now that we have secured a peaceful resolution of the conflict in Northern Ireland what steps is the Department taking to alleviate the plight of the five Kurdish MPs jailed by an Ankara court having been found guilty of assisting or being members of the PKK? Does the Minister have any plans to examine their case?
The European Union has called on Turkey to grant access to an OSCE human rights mission. The Deputy raised the possibility of Members of this Parliament travelling to Turkey. This is a matter I will consider if members of the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs wish to travel there. The Deputy also referred to the imprisonment of members of the Democratic Party who were convicted and sentenced to long prison terms in December 1994. I have conveyed our concern about this action to Turkish Ministers in bilateral contacts. At the time of the lifting of their parliamentary immunity, the European Union expressed its concern underlying that the right to freely express one's ideas and opinions is a fundamental freedom for all, especially for Members of Parliament.The conviction and long prison sentences imposed is a matter of great regret to Ireland and to its EU partners. In its statement at the time of the sentencing, the European Union made it clear it expected the sentences would be subject to review by the Turkish court of appeal.
