HL Deb 10 July 1996 vol 574 c19WA
Lord Hylton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will raise with the United Nations Security Council the matter of Turkish military attacks into North Iraq, and in particular the attack on Mezi in June, in which 44 persons are said to have been killed; and if not, why not.

Baroness Chalker of Wallasey

We have no present plans to do so. The Turkish authorities are well aware of our concern that they should respect the safety and well-being of non-combatants in their efforts to fight terrorism in the south-east of Turkey.

Lord Hylton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will ask the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe to investigate the reported destruction and clearance of 2,685 villages and towns in east and south-east Turkey by state security forces; the displacement of between two and three million persons and their subsequent treatment; and if not, why not.

Baroness Chalker of Wallasey

We have no present plans to do so. We take regular opportunities to remind the Turkish authorities of our concern that they should respect the safety and well-being of non-combatants in their approach to the conflict in the south-east of Turkey.