Written answers

Wednesday, 6 February 2008

Department of Foreign Affairs

Human Rights Issues

9:00 pm

Photo of Emmet StaggEmmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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Question 105: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the progress that has been made in relation to reforms affecting minority and human rights as part of the EU negotiating framework with Turkey. [3700/08]

Photo of Dermot AhernDermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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Accession negotiations opened with Turkey in October 2005. Under the terms of the agreed negotiating framework, these negotiations are an open-ended process, the outcome of which cannot be guaranteed beforehand.

The negotiating framework addresses the European Union's expectations of Turkey with regard to advancing reforms in human rights and the protection of minorities. Turkey's progress in this regard is monitored closely by the European Commission, and is the subject of detailed reports to Council.

In November 2007, the Commission published its annual Communication to the Council and European Parliament entitled "Enlargement Strategy and Main Challenges 2007 — 2008." In relation to political reform in Turkey, the Commission reported limited progress during 2007. Areas where advances were noted included the ratification of international human rights instruments and implementation of European Court of Human Rights judgements. Further action taken to improve women's rights was also noted, as was a decrease in the reported number of cases of torture and ill-treatment. However, the Commission highlighted areas where further progress is required and emphasised, in particular, the need for significant reforms in relation to freedom of expression and the rights of non-Muslim religious communities.

In December 2007, the General Affairs and External Relations Council welcomed the Commission Communication and took note of its analysis and recommendations. The Council welcomed the resolution of the political and constitutional crisis in Turkey last year. The Council regretted that limited progress was achieved in political reform during 2007 but welcomed the Turkish Government's declared intention and renewed commitment to continue the reform process and address existing shortcomings.

The Council noted the process underway to revise the Turkish Constitution. This presents a key opportunity to fully enshrine European standards in Turkish constitutional law. Nevertheless, the Council stressed that this process should not delay long-awaited reforms. Particular attention was drawn to the need for Turkey to proceed without delay in the implementation of reforms in the key areas of freedom of expression and freedom of religion.

In addition, the Council stated that significant further efforts are also needed in other areas examined in the Commission Communication such as minority rights, judicial reform, the fight against corruption, and the strengthening of cultural rights, women's rights, children's rights, trade union rights and the civilian control of the military. As regards the East and Southeast of Turkey, areas that are home to a predominantly Kurdish population, the Council recalled the need to promptly develop and implement a comprehensive strategy that will guarantee the economic, social and cultural development of this area.

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