§ Mr. Austin-WalkerTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made recently to(a) the Council of Europe, (b) the European Union, (c) the United Nations and (d) the Committee on Security and Co-operation in Europe, regarding the abuse of human rights by the Government of Turkey.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggWe regularly contribute to discussion in international fora on the abuse of human rights in Turkey. The subject was discussed most recently at the CSCE review conference in Budapest.
§ Mr. Austin-WalkerTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has received from the Government of Turkey regarding the presence of Mr. Kani Yilmaz in the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. David DavisNo formal representations have been received from the Government of Turkey. We understand the Turkish authorities are aware of Mr. Yilmaz's detention.
§ Mr. Austin-WalkerTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he was first informed of the arrival of Mr. Kani Yilmaz in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. David DavisWe were informed on 24 October of the arrival of Mr. Kani Yilmaz in the United Kingdom the previous evening.
§ Mr. Austin-WalkerTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made regarding the imprisonment and requested execution of elected members of the Turkish Parliament.
§ Mr. David DavisWe have repeatedly made plain to the Turkish authorities the damage that these arrests have done to Turkey's international reputation. Her Majesty's embassy in Ankara is monitoring carefully the trial which began on 3 August. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs also raised the issue of human rights in Turkey with the Prime Minister Mrs. Ciller when they met in Istanbul on 14 October.
§ Mr. Austin-WalkerTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what contact his Department had with Mr. Kani Yilmaz on his previous visits to the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. David DavisMy Department had no contact with Mr. Kani Yilmaz on his previous visits to the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. Austin-WalkerTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made on whether arms supplied to Turkey by the United Kingdom are being used against the civilian population; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. David DavisProposed arms sales to Turkey, as to other countries, are considered on a case by case basis and are subject to stringent licensing procedures. Before a licence is granted, a number of considerations are taken into account, including an assessment of the recipient country's human rights record. We do not grant licences for the sale of equipment which we believe is likely to be used for internal repression.
§ Mr. Austin-WalkerTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he was first 1381W informed of the intention of Mr. Kani Yilmaz to enter the United Kingdom on his most recent visit.
§ Mr. David DavisWe were not informed of the intention of Mr. Kani Yilmaz to enter the United Kingdom on his most recent visit.
§ Mr. Austin-WalkerTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make representations to other NATO countries and to Pakistan to cease the supply of arms to Turkey, with particular reference to bombs; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. David DavisTurkey is a NATO ally and has legitimate defence requirements. All countries, including the United Kingdom, which are members of the EU, NATO and CSCE are guided by common principles on arms sales. It would not be appropriate for Her Majesty's Government to make representations to other countries to cease the supply of arms to Turkey.