Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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43. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he or officials on his behalf were in contact with President Erdogan of Turkey following the murder of a person (details supplied). [45883/18]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Our thoughts and condolences in recent weeks have been with Jamal Khashoggi’s fiancée, family, friends and colleagues, all of whom have been affected by this appalling and outrageous crime. Neither I nor my officials have been in contact with President Erdoðan or other Turkish political leaders in relation to the death of Mr. Khashoggi. However, we are closely following the facts as they emerge through our Embassies in Riyadh and Ankara. In addition, I met with the Saudi Ambassador on 18 October and stressed the widespread shock caused by the case and the necessity for a credible and open investigation, echoing High Representative Mogherini’s call for a thorough, credible and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding this case, and for the perpetrators of the crime to be held fully accountable. The Secretary General of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade also met with the Saudi Ambassador on 30 October and again reiterated our concerns.

The horrific details that are coming to light in relation to Mr. Khashoggi’s death are of grave concern, and Ireland is deeply troubled by the egregious attack on press freedom that this killing represents.

Press freedom is a fundamental right, and it is essential that journalists feel safe to pursue their work in any country. Together with our European partners, Ireland will continue to raise our serious concerns about all actions that undermine freedom of expression, including media expression, across the globe.

I discussed this case with my EU colleagues at the October meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) and I anticipate that we will return to the issue at the next meeting of the FAC on 19 November.