HC Deb 20 January 1994 vol 235 cc721-2W
Mr. Corbyn

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which representatives of Kurdish people he expects to meet during his forthcoming visit to Turkey.

Mr. Heathcoat-Amory

During his visit to Ankara my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs hopes to meet a wide cross-section of people from a variety of regions and ethnic backgrounds.

Mr. Corbyn

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions on arms sales and their use he expects to have during his forthcoming visit to Turkey.

Mr. Heathcoat-Amory

As usual on such visits, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs shall seek opportunities to promote the sales of British products, including military equipment for defence purposes.

Mr. Corbyn

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what journalists' organisations he will meet during his forthcoming visit to Turkey.

Mr. Heathcoat-Amory

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs shall meet a range of Turkish media representatives in Ankara. He does not plan to meet any journalists' organisations.

Mr. Corbyn

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations have been made to the Government of Turkey about the release of detained journalists and the free publication of newspapers.

Mr. Heathcoat-Amory

Turkey was heavily criticized for continuing limitations on freedom of expression, particularly in the media, at a Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe meeting in Warsaw in September. Through such international forums and in our own meetings with Turkish Ministers and officials we make plain our concern about this and other human rights issues. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs shall do so during his visit.