Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Turkey is facing a very difficult and challenging situation, not least following the horrific bombing in Ankara on 10 October. It faces internal and external challenges. It is an extremely important partner of the European Union, in particular, as we frame our collective response to the current migrant crisis. The Turkish elections held earlier this week which followed the inconclusive result in June, therefore, took place in a particularly difficult and sensitive context. The fact that they were held in an open manner is, I believe, not unimportant. I welcome the peaceful conduct of the elections on Sunday and look forward to working with the new government in an open and constructive manner on many issues of mutual concern, both on a bilateral basis and in the context of Turkey's importance as a partner of the European Union. It is important that the elections have taken place in an open and free manner and in accordance with the norms of democracy. The preliminary OSCE report and assessment highlights that election day was largely peaceful, that the elections were organised in a professional manner and that the count process was transparent. However, I accept that there has been robust criticism of the lack of media freedom and that the incidents of violence which characterised the campaign period were real. Nevertheless, it is important that we continue to work with the new government in a spirit of positivity.

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