Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, Socialist Party)
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461. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the differences between China, Japan and the United States of America concerning islands in the East China Sea; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39069/15]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Ireland does not take a position on the respective claims and underlying sovereignty issues driving this matter. However, we are concerned at the potential for a dangerous escalation of tensions in the area in question. Our strong wish is to see these differences resolved peacefully, and in accordance with international law.

Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, Socialist Party)
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462. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the recent General Election in Turkey; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39070/15]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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The Turkish elections held earlier this week followed the inconclusive result in June and took place in a particularly difficult and sensitive context.

Turkey is facing a very difficult and challenging situation, including as host to over 2 million refugees mainly from the conflict in neighbouring Syria and following the horrific bombing in Ankara on 10 October. It faces internal and external challenges.

The fact that elections were held in an open manner is, I believe, important. The joint assessment of the OSCE, ODHIR and Council of Europe found that the elections in Turkey offered voters variety of choices, but that the process was hindered by challenging security environment, incidents of violence and restrictions against media. According to their assessment, the election was generally peaceful. However, they agreed that, while there were positive elements, there were also shortcomings.

There are also serious and legitimate concerns about freedom of the media, and not only in the context of the election. Along with our European partners, we will be continuing our dialogue on these issues with Turkey, including in the context of the annual enlargement Progress Reports, which we expect to issue today.

I look forward to working with the new Government in an open and constructive manner on the many issues of mutual concern, both bilaterally and in the context of Turkey’s importance as an EU partner.