Turkey (Hansard, 7 March 1994)

§ Mr. Parry
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on Her Majesty's Government relations with Turkey.

§ Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
Our relationship with Turkey is good, reflecting our close ties in NATO and Turkey's long-standing association with the European Union.

§ Mr. Parry
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the human rights situation in Turkey.

§ Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
The human rights situation in Turkey is worrying. The Turkish Government are aware of our concerns. We recognise the difficulties faced by the Turkish authoritites in tackling the PKK terrorist threat in the south-east, but this has to be done within the rule of law and with full respect for human rights.

§ Mr. Parry
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he last made representations to the Government of Turkey regarding the treatment of Kurds; and if he will make a statement.

§ Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs last raised human rights with the Turkish Government during his visit to Ankara on 19 and 20 January.