Vol. 500 No. 5
53 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to concerns in relation to the continued sale of arms and military equipment to Turkey by a number of countries including the United States and Germany; if he will urge other countries to cease these exports in view of Turkey's human rights record and its continued military operations against the Kurds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4361/99]
I am aware of the concerns that have been expressed in relation to the sale of arms and military equipment by some countries to Turkey. So far as the EU is concerned all transfers or sales of arms and military equipment are governed by the provisions of the EU code of conduct. The code of conduct is based on a number of criteria, one of which relates to human rights. The provisions of the code of conduct should be strictly implemented, and I have no reason to believe that this is not the case in this matter.
Ireland and the EU have regularly raised with the Turkish authorities the issue of the protection and implementation of human rights in Turkey, particularly as they affect the Kurdish population of south-east Turkey. While the EU has indicated that it upholds the territorial integrity of Turkey and condemns terrorism, it has consistently been made clear to Turkey that the fight against terrorism must be conducted with due respect for human rights and the rule of law. Ireland, along with its European partners, has conveyed to the Turkish Government its view that a political solution must be found to the situation in south-east Turkey. Ireland continues to urge this approach on the Turkish authorities.
