Chemical Weapons Investigation Northern Iraq 2022-11-08
2022-11-08
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Reports suggest Turkish forces may have used white phosphorus in northern Iraq, raising concerns about compliance with the chemical weapons convention.
If his Department will refer allegations of the use of chemical weapons by Turkey in northern Iraq to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons for investigation.
The Government are aware of reports that Turkish forces have used white phosphorus in northern Iraq. However, we have no direct evidence to support those claims. Of course, we take all allegations of this nature seriously, and we are committed to upholding the chemical weapons convention.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific request for referral to OPCW was not addressed
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
A Turkish CHP opposition MP faces prosecution for terrorism after asking about alleged use of chemical weapons. This raises questions about Turkey's human rights abuses against Kurds.
Does the Minister agree that it is time to revisit our designation of the PKK as a terrorist organisation and that not doing so gives cover to Turkey's human rights abuses?
The hon. Lady mentions the PKK. We should be very clear that we regard the PKK to be a terrorist organisation—that is why we have proscribed it—and that we believe Turkey has a legitimate right to defend itself against this form of terrorism.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
A Turkish CHP MP was indicted for terrorism after questioning alleged chemical weapons use by Turkish forces. The Minister is asked to consider the impact of PKK designation on regional stability.
Does the Minister not recognise that the overreach of the PKK terrorist definition is shutting down democracy in Turkey and hurting our allies in Syria, Turkey and Iraq?
As I have said, we have no direct evidence to support the allegations to which the hon. Gentleman refers, but we are of course committed to upholding the chemical weapons convention. I myself met the director general of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons last month, and we will keep these issues under review.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific impact on democracy and allies not addressed
Response accuracy