Turkey (Hansard, 13 February 2004)

§ Bob Russell
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will seek the consent of the Turkish Government for British officials to monitor the Turkish local elections on 28 March. [155581]

§ Mr. MacShane
No. The British Embassy in Ankara will follow the local elections in Turkey closely. This will include consultations with political parties, non-governmental organisations and electoral authorities.

§ Bob Russell
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will seek the consent of the Turkish Government for British officials to monitor the Kurdish New Year Newroz celebrations on 21 March. [155582]

§ Mr. MacShane
No. Non-governmental organisations will observe the Newroz celebrations and the British Embassy in Ankara, which follows developments in Turkey closely, is in regular contact with them.