Human Rights (Iraq)

HC Deb 24 April 1995 vol 258 cc375-6W

Mr. Worthington

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations about human rights in northern Iraq he made to the deputy Prime Minister of Turkey during his visit to London. [19907]

Mr. David Davis

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs met the Deputy Prime Minister of Turkey for talks and lunch when he visited London on 6 April. He took the opportunity to repeat our call for the early withdrawal of Turkish troops from northern Iraq. He reminded Mr. Cetin of the need to honour the Turkish commitment not to harm non-combatants in the region or disrupt relief activities.

Mr. Wray

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if the Government will suspend all military deliveries and subsidies to Turkey in light of its recent actions against the Kurdish population in northern Iraq. [20323]

Mr. David Davis

Turkey is a NATO ally with legitimate defence requirements. Proposed United Kingdom arms sales to Turkey are subject to stringent licensing procedures. We do not grant licences for the sale of equipment which we believe is likely to be used for internal repression.