Prime Minister's question asked in the House of Commons, by Martin Caton (Labour). It was answered on Wednesday, 23 November 2005 on behalf of the Prime Minister.

Engagements

Question: The Prime Minister quite rightly celebrates the start of talks on Turkey's accession as an achievement of the UK presidency of the European Union, but next month, the fine Turkish novelist, Orhan Pamuk, faces trial for public denigration of Turkey, simply because he talked about the killing of Armenians and Kurds in the early part of the last century. Does my right hon. Friend agree that a prerequisite for membership of the EU should be the protection of the right of free speech; and will he also join me in commending those people in Turkey such as Pamuk who are campaigning for that right?

Answer: First, may I tell my hon. Friend that during our presidency of the European Union, we raised that issue with Turkish justice and foreign Ministers? It is important, if Turkey wants to become a member of the EU, that it abide by the criteria for membership, including the criterion on freedom of expression. I hope, however, that my hon. Friend would also agree that Turkey has gone a considerable way down the path of reform over the past few years. I hope that these issues will also be dealt with as part of future reforms so that Turkey can proceed to EU membership, which I believe is in the interests of Turkey, Europe and the wider world.

Secondary information

Type: Oral question
Reference: 439 c1507
Session: 2005-06
Oral question type: 1st Supplementary
Chamber / Committee: House of Commons chamber
Related items: Turkey: Human Rights
Tuesday, 13 December 2005
Written questions
House of Lords; Turkey: Human Rights
Tuesday, 13 December 2005
Written questions
House of Lords; Turkey: Human Rights
Monday, 9 January 2006
Written questions
House of Lords
Subjects: Human rights EU accession EU enlargement Turkey
Link: View this Prime Minister's question on www.publications.parliament.uk