Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent)
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Question 138: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the action the Government are taking to help stop the systematic killings in Sudan, Darfur; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16757/06]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The ongoing violence in the Darfur region of Sudan continues to be a matter of grave concern. Recent reports of an apparent offensive by the Government of Sudan and allied forces in the area around the town of Gereida in South Darfur are particularly alarming.

It is clear that only an agreed political solution will lead to a lasting solution to the humanitarian crisis in the region. Ireland, together with our partners in the EU, fully supports the African Union's (AU) efforts to finalise speedily an agreement at the peace talks in Abuja. The AU mediation team submitted a comprehensive draft peace agreement on 25 April. This proposal covers power- and wealth-sharing as well as security arrangements. The original deadline for signature of the agreement expired on 30 April. At the request of the parties, an extension was agreed until 2 May and a further extension has since been agreed until the evening of 4 May. The Government of Sudan has announced that it is ready to sign the agreement and that it will immediately begin to abide by its terms. In the meantime, it is incumbent on all the parties to the talks to continue to negotiate in good faith and also to honour all existing commitments and cease any violations of the current cease-fire agreement.

The engagement of the international community in the talks is a positive sign of support for the people of Darfur. The EU Special Representative on Sudan, Pekka Haavisto, has been active in Abuja. International pressure needs to be maintained in support of the current AU mediation efforts and against those impeding the achievement of a Darfur peace agreement. I therefore welcome the travel ban and financial sanctions imposed on 25 April by the United Nations Security Council in Resolution 1672 (2006) against four individuals who have contributed to the deterioration of the situation in Darfur.

Until a UN peacekeeping mission is sent to Darfur, the AU Monitoring Mission in Sudan (AMIS) will play a key role in verifying the implementation of the security elements of any peace agreement. AMIS has already played a valuable role in creating a favourable environment for the political process and in helping to stabilise the security situation. Three members of the Permanent Defence Forces are currently serving with AMIS in support roles. On 10 March 2006 the AU's Peace and Security Commission (PSC) reiterated its support for transition from AMIS to a UN peace-keeping operation in Darfur. The aim of such a UN mission would be to support implementation of a Darfur peace agreement and consolidate the achievements of AMIS. The AU PSC also agreed to extend AMIS's mandate until September, which will permit the UN to carry out thorough planning for the transition in co-operation with the AU and the EU. It is important that the Government of Sudan should facilitate an early assessment mission by the UN in this regard.

Ireland and the EU fully support the AU's role in Darfur. In 2004-5, Ireland contributed €1.5 million to humanitarian, human rights and policing aspects of the AMIS mission, with over €160 million in support from the EU through the African Peace Facility. The EU will shortly provide a further €50 million to support AMIS.

In 2005 Ireland provided almost €3 million in emergency funding for humanitarian needs in Darfur alone and over €2 million has been provided so far this year for the same purpose. The Government is deeply concerned at the ongoing difficulties UN organisations and NGOs are experiencing in securing access to vulnerable populations throughout Sudan and notes statements by UN Special Representative Jan Pronk to the effect that rebel militia attacks on humanitarian workers in Darfur may force the suspension of assistance. At Ireland's initiative, EU Ambassadors in Khartoum have been requested to raise the need for improved humanitarian access directly with the Sudanese authorities.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 139: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to further recent attacks by Turkish police and military on Kurdish civilians in which seven civilians were killed and hundreds more injured and arrested including children; if this will impact on Turkish prospects for EU membership; and the steps he has taken or will take to raise this issue at an international level. [16834/06]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I am aware of, and share the Deputy's concern at, the disturbing reports of violence in Southeast Turkey, particularly in recent weeks. The security situation in the Southeast, which had gradually improved since 1999, has become increasingly difficult in recent months since the resumption of violence by the PKK, an organisation which appears on the EU list of terrorist organisations.

This has led to frequent clashes between the security forces and armed groups and has resulted, tragically, in a substantial number of casualties, including fatalities. Over recent weeks, very regrettably, there have also been a number of civilian deaths. Following the recent violence, on 5 April the Turkish Parliament discussed the matter. While announcing that new anti-terrorism measures will be introduced, the Turkish Government stated its determination to respect human rights and freedoms while pursuing its fight against terrorism.

The Government's concerns about the human rights situation in Turkey, including the situation of some 15 million people of Kurdish ethnic origin, are raised on a regular basis in our contacts with the Turkish Government and its representatives, and in cooperation with our partners in the EU.

In recent years, Turkey has made significant progress in the adoption of wide-ranging political and legal reforms. Important human rights reforms have been introduced and legislation has been enacted aimed at strengthening the enforcement of fundamental rights. These reforms include enhancing the cultural rights of all citizens, including those of Kurdish origin. In this context, I welcome developments currently underway to provide broadcasting in the Kurdish language.

The EU opened accession negotiations with Turkey on 3 October 2005 and in its 2005 Enlargement Strategy Paper, the European Commission emphasised that the EU will remain firm in demanding that aspiring members fulfil all the requirements of membership before they join. Throughout the accession process Turkey will be expected to sustain the process of reform which it has already begun, including support for economic development in Southeast Turkey, and to work towards further improvements. In its 2005 progress report on Turkey, the Commission noted that progress on reform had been slow and uneven.

Together with the Commission and our EU partners, and through our Embassy in Ankara, we will continue to monitor the situation and to stress the importance of adherence to the standards enshrined in the European Convention on Human Rights.