Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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169. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the increased violence in Turkey recently, including the murder of the Russian ambassador, in addition to the tragic loss of lives in a nightclub during the Christmas festivities in Istanbul; if this will be discussed at the next European meeting of Ministers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2255/17]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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I was utterly appalled by these atrocious acts of violence. On 19 December, I issued a statement condemning the brutal assassination of the Russian Ambassador to Turkey, Andrei Karlov. On 1 January, I issued a statement following the shooting at the Reina nightclub in Istanbul in the early hours of that morning. I unreservedly condemned this unspeakable attack, in which 39 people tragically lost their lives. I extended my condolences to the families of the deceased and injured in these heinous events, and to all the people of Turkey, who have suffered a surge in violent, terrorist attacks over the past year, carried out mainly by the outlawed PKK and its affiliates or ISIS.

The situation in Turkey was discussed at the meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council on 16 November. Turkey was also extensively discussed in the context of Enlargement at the meeting of the General Affairs Council on 13 December. Presidency conclusions were subsequently issued, which were highly critical of current trends in Turkey, but, nonetheless, maintained the country’s candidate status. Ireland continues to support keeping the lines of communication open in all fora. All the people of Turkey, including minorities, deserve the prospect of a future in keeping with European values and it is important to keep the long-term rights and interests of all of the people of Turkey in mind in our discussion on EU-Turkey relations.

Turkey was also briefly discussed at the meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council on 16 January and I expect that there will be further discussions at future meetings

It is clear that the situation in Turkey remains very difficult. Ireland, along with our European partners, stand in solidarity with Turkey in the fight against terrorism.

While the Turkish authorities clearly need to combat terrorism vigorously and effectively, they must also maintain a measured and proportionate response which upholds the rule of law. This balanced approach has been conveyed clearly on a number of occasions by me and by the EU since last summer’s attempted coup d’état.