Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 63: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will call on the Turkish authorities to investigate immediately the death of at least 35 civilians in a military airstrike near the Iraqi border in south-eastern Turkey last December, when no military targets were reported to have been hit in the attack, but which caused the death of so many innocent civilians. [2347/12]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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I assume the Deputy is referring to the airstrike near the town of Uludere in Sirnak Province that took place on 28 December last. The loss of civilian life is in all circumstances a tragedy. Military activity should always be conducted to avoid civilian casualties and States should adhere rigidly to the procedures and rules of engagement for offensive action. I understand that the Turkish Authorities have initiated an official investigation into the incident referred to by the Deputy. They have also expressed regret at the loss of life and offered compensation to the families of the victims.