§ Mr. FraserTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Government of Turkey about the arrest of members of the Turkish Parliament and defence lawyers. [15340]
§ Mr. David DavisWe take every opportunity, at ministerial and official level, bilaterally and with our EU partners, to express our concerns to the Turkish Government about their overall human rights record. We did so most recently during the European Unions Association Council with Turkey on 6 March. Our representations have included specific references to the trial and sentencing of deputies from the Democracy party. Our views on this were reflected in an EU statement of 9 December 1994 expressing concern and seeking an explanation from the Turkish Government. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs subsequently raised the issue with the Turkish Foreign Minister on 19 December 1994 and on 2 February.