[Sinn Fein]

25 July 2001


Sinn Fein Leadership call for resolution of Turkish Hunger Strike Crisis

Sinn Fein TD for Cavan/Monaghan Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin today called on the Turkish government to engage with representatives of those on Hunger Strike to achieve a resolution to the protest which has already claimed 29 lives.

Deputy Ó Caolain was speaking after the Sinn Fein Ard Comhairle unanimously backed a motion proposed by him on the issue. The motion called on the Dublin government to use its influence as a member of the UN security council to lobby the Turkish government to achieve a resolution.

Deputy Ó Caolain said:

``Recent reports from Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch confirm that the regime of solitary isolation being introduced in the new F-type prisons, is in direct breach of commitments made by the Turkish Justice Ministry. 

``It is imperative that action is taken now to ensure that no more lives are lost in this hunger strike. The Sinn Fein leadership believe that the demands of the prisoners are just and should be met.

``I am calling on the Irish government, through its membership of the UN Security Council and as a member state of the European Union to raise this matter both with the Turkish government and internationally to achieve a positive resolution.''


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