HC Deb 10 May 1999 vol 331 cc26-7W
Mr. Wareing

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has received in respect of Turkey's conflict with its Kurdish population; and if he will make a statement. [83561]

Ms Quin

We receive regular representations from Members of Parliament, Members of the House of Lords, members of the public and interested groups about the conflict in south-east Turkey.

We have made it clear to the Turkish authorities that we believe the conflict in the region cannot be resolved by military means alone. We believe that the social and economic problems of south-east Turkey and the aspirations of the Kurdish population there must be addressed if the region is to achieve a long-lasting peace.

We have long made clear our condemnation of terrorism in all its forms, including terrorist acts by the PKK (Kurdistan Workers' Party).

Mr. Wareing

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the current position in respect of Turkey's application to become a member of the European Union. [83488]

Ms Quin

[holding answer 7 May 1999]: The Cardiff European Council in June 1998 endorsed the European Strategy for Turkey, which aims to prepare Turkey for membership by bringing it closer to the EU in all areas. The Turks and the Commission have met three times so far to discuss implementation of the Strategy. We welcome the Commission's proposals for funding the Strategy, worth 150 million euro over 3 years. These proposals are currently being considered by the European Parliament; we hope they can be agreed soon.

In November 1998, the Commission produced its first annual report on Turkey's progress towards European Union membership. The report noted that Turkey had most of the hallmarks of a market economy, but still needed to address shortcomings in the areas of human rights, treatment of minorities and the lack of civilian control over the army. Turkey must improve its record in these areas in order to meet the criteria for membership of the European Union laid down by the 1993 Copenhagen European Council.