| answer text |
<p>We are closely monitoring all of these and related events in Turkey and the region.
The Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) continues to kill members of the Turkish police
service and security forces. We support Turkey’s right to defend itself against all
forms of terrorism. We have been clear that the PKK must cease its violence and the
peace process needs to be resumed. The UK stands ready to help in any way it can in
this regard. I last raised this with my Turkish counterpart when we met in August.</p><p>The
Government continues to monitor closely Turkey’s democratic reforms, including as
part of the EU accession process, focusing particularly on freedom of expression,
respect for the rule of law and minority rights.</p><p>We welcome Turkey’s invaluable
contribution to the international campaign against Daesh, particularly its agreement
for the use of its airspace and airbases, as a member of the Global Coalition committed
to defeating it. Turkey has been carrying out military strikes against Daesh since
July 2015, and state that they have detained over 2,500 Daesh suspects since 2013,
of whom one third are foreigners. Turkey recognises the role that Syrian Kurds have
to play in the fight against Daesh, and accepts that Syrian Kurds receive Coalition
support.</p>
|
|
