§ Lord Aveburyasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will propose that the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe send a mission to northern Iraq, to monitor the situation of the Kurds 35WA in the safe areas originally proposed by the Prime Minister, and now occupied by Turkey.
§ Baroness Chalker of WallaseyWe are not aware of any basis on which the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe could send a mission to northern Iraq. We are watching the situation in the region with concern. We and our EU partners continue to press at the highest level for the Turks to withdraw their troops at the earliest opportunity.
§ Lord Aveburyasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they consider that Turkey's invasion of northern Iraq is a violation of Article 2(4) of the United Nations Charter, and, if so, whether they will raise the matter in the Security Council.
§ Baroness Chalker of WallaseyThe Turkish Government have explained that their operations in northern Iraq are temporary and aimed solely at destroying PKK capability to mount attacks against Turkey from northern Iraq. There has been no determination by the UN of whether the incursion is a violation of Article 2(4) of the United Nations Charter.
§ Lord Aveburyasked Her Majesty's Government:
What reports have been received from UN personnel and others in northern Iraq about looting, house-to-house searches and the separation of women from men by personnel of the Turkish armed forces.
§ Baroness Chalker of WallaseyWe have received no such reports.
§ Lord Aveburyasked Her Majesty's Government:
What reports have been received from UN personnel in northern Iraq of restrictions placed on their movements by the Turkish armed forces there; and, if any such reports have been received, whether they will propose to the UN Secretary-General that he raise this matter with the Turkish authorities as a breach of Article 2(5) of the UN Charter, which provides that "all Members shall give the United Nations every assistance in any action it takes in accordance with the present Charter".
§ Baroness Chalker of WallaseyWe have received no such reports.