Written question asked by Baroness Tonge (Liberal Democrat) on Friday, 27 February 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 5 March 2004. It was answered by Denis MacShane (Labour) on Friday, 5 March 2004 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what representations he has made to the (a) EU and (b) Turkish Government on language and broadcasting rights in Turkey.

Answer: Dr. Tonge: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the (a) EU and (b) Turkish Government on language and broadcasting rights in Turkey. [158302] Mr. MacShane: My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary frequently discusses this issue at the European Councils--the Council Conclusions in December referred to the need for further efforts regarding cultural rights. Our strong support for Turkey's EU candidature means we are always looking for ways to help Turkey meet the Copenhagen political criteria, which include cultural rights. The Foreign Secretary reiterated our position during his visit to Istanbul on 3 March. During my visit to Turkey in January this year, I raised the need for prompt implementation of all reforms with ambassador Sungar, Head of the European Secretariat General and Foreign Minister Gul. At official level, monthly EU working groups discuss progress on reforms, including those mentioned by the hon. Member. Officials in the British embassy in Turkey follow the situation closely by means of their contacts with all levels of Turkish civil society and Government.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 158302; 418 c1192W;418 c1209W
Session: 2003-04
Subjects: Broadcasting Broadcasting programmes Culture Languages Freedom of expression Turkey International broadcasting
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk