§ Mr. CorbynTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has received on the customs union with Turkey; and if he will make a statement. [7596]
§ Mr. David DavisMy right hon. and learned Friend the Foreign Secretary has had many discussions on the EU/Turkey customs union, and warmly welcomes the European Parliament's decision of 13 December to approve it.
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§ Mr. CorbynTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations have been made to the Government of Turkey covering(a) human rights, (b) the imprisonment of Members of Parliament and (c) the occupation of northern Cyprus; and if he will make a statement. [7597]
§ Mr. DavisWe regularly make clear our concern about human rights to the Turkish Government. My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister raised this issue and that of Cyprus when he met the Turkish Prime Minister on 22 November. Our embassy in Ankara has frequently raised the imprisonment of the DEP deputies, most recently following the Appeals Court hearing on 26 October.
§ Mr. CorbynTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the Government of the USA concerning Turkish membership of the European customs union. [7598]
§ Mr. DavisMy right hon. Friend the Prime Minister and President Clinton agreed when they met on 29 November on the importance of consolidating the relationship between Turkey and the EU, and that customs union was an integral part of that relationship.
§ Mr. CorbynTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what actions have been taken by Her Majesty's embassy in Turkey to press for the release of the imprisoned Members of Parliament; and if he will make a statement. [7599]
§ Mr. DavisOur embassy in Ankara made representations to the Turkish authorities on a weekly basis in advance of the Appeals Court hearing on 26 October. They have raised it again since. The four deputies who remain in prison have appealed to the European Court of Human Rights.
§ Mr. CorbynTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions have been held with the United Nations High Commission for Refugees and other agencies on the human rights situation in Turkey. [7600]
§ Mr. DavisWe have not spoken recently with UNHCR about human rights in Turkey although there has been some discussion within the Council of Europe. We frequently hold discussions with non-governmental organisations about human rights, and regularly make clear our concerns to the Turkish Government.