HL Deb 27 October 1998 vol 593 cc212-3WA
Lord Hylton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they are increasing their efforts, directly and through multilateral channels, to find a negotiated political solution to the internal warfare that has been taking place within Turkey for 15 years, particularly in the provinces under martial law. [HL3420]

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean

Her Majesty's Government continue to urge the Turkish authorities to seek a non-military solution to the conflict in the south east. We recognise that Turkey faces a significant internal terrorist threat. But we believe that Turkey can best undermine support for terrorism in the south eastern region by addressing the social, economic, political and cultural aspirations of the local population.