HC Deb 24 November 1989 vol 162 cc35-6W
Mr. Corbyn

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what meetings with Kurdish groups and visits to Kurdish-speaking areas have been undertaken by Her Majesty's embassy staff in Ankara; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Maude

The staff of Her Majesty's embassy in Ankara undertake visits to all parts of Turkey, including Kurdish-speaking areas, during the course of their duties, and maintain contact with groups representing a wide range of opinion.

Mr. Corbyn

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what meetings with Kurdish organisations and visits to Kurdish-speaking areas of Iraq have been undertaken by staff of Her Majesty's embassy in Baghdad since January 1988.

Mr. Waldegrave

The British embassy maintains contact with a wide range of groups and individuals in Iraq including some of Kurdish origin.

Since January 1988, diplomatic staff from the embassy have travelled frequently to Kurdish-speaking areas of Iraq.

Mr. Corbyn

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations have been received for the Kurdish people to be given observer status at the United Nations; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Sainsbury

None.