HC Deb 03 March 1999 vol 326 c797W
Mr. Cox

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the present position in respect of the Loizidouv. Turkey case under consideration by the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe. [74318]

Ms Quin

The case of Loizidouv. Turkey was last considered in the Committee of Ministers on 9 February, and will next be considered there on 30 March.

Responsibility for implementing the judgment lies with Turkey. Turkey has confirmed its wish to uphold the authority of the European Court of Human Rights, but has informed the Committee of the difficulties which, in its view, flow from the judgment. We have made clear to Turkey the need to respect the Court's judgment. We have reminded Turkey in the Committee of Ministers of their responsibilities in this respect, most recently on 9 February, and will continue to do so.

Mr. Love

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations the Government have made to the. Government of Turkey following the arrest of Mr. Öcalan; what assurances have been received regarding due process and legal representation; what representations he has made regarding the possible use of the death penalty; and if he will make a statement. [74191]

Ms Quin

We raised the subject of PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan's trial with the Turkish State Minister responsible for Human Rights on 17 February. We welcome the assurances of Prime Minister Ecevit that Mr. Öcalan will receive a fair trial and that his physical safety will be assured. With EU partners we have urged that Mr. Öcalan have access to legal counsel of his choice, and underlined our strict opposition to the use of the death penalty. We have also requested attendance at the trial by members of the British Embassy in Ankara.