Vol. 502 No. 6
48 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has satisfied himself that the Kurdish leader, Abdullah Ocalan, will receive a fair trial by the Turkish authorities; the steps, if any, the Government will take to ensure that international observers are present at the trial; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8946/99]
89 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the discussions, if any, he has had with his European counterparts on the violent incidences across Europe arising out of the capture of the PKK leader, Abdullah Ocalan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5285/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 48 and 89 together.
At the EU General Affairs Council on 22 February, which I attended, the arrest of Abdullah Ocalan and the consequent demonstrations across Europe were discussed. Following our discussion a declaration was issued in the name of the Union which took note of the assurance of the Turkish Government that Ocalan would receive a fair trial. We emphasised, however, that we expected this to mean fair and correct treatment and an open trial according to the rule of law before an independent court, with access to legal counsel of his choice and with international observers admitted to the trial. We also reiterated our strong opposition to the death penalty. Earlier this month I communicated these views directly to the Speaker and Members of the Turkish Grand National Assembly during their visit to Dublin and they responded to my concerns positively.
On 3 March the Turkish authorities granted unrestricted access to Ocalan in Imrali prison to representatives of the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly. Ocalan has since appointed his lawyers and they meet with him at the prison on a regular basis. They are reported as stating that he is in good health, physically and psychologically, and that the conditions of his detention have improved.
With regard to the issue of international observers attending Oçalan's trial, the Turkish authorities have pointed out that while there is no provision in Turkish law for the presence of official observers at a trial, they are in general open to the public, including to foreign representatives. They confirmed that this will apply in Oçalan's case and EU member states are in discussion with the Turkish authorities in this regard.
