To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent discussions she has had with the Turkish Government on the conflict in the Kurdish areas of eastern Turkey. (98362)

My right hon. Friend the Minister for Europe discussed terrorism during his visit to Turkey in September. The UK and EU both consider the PKK a terrorist organisation. The Government deplored the PKK's 2004 decision to resume their campaign of violence and terrorism, and the numerous deaths (including British) which followed right across Turkey.

On 1 October the PKK announced another “ceasefire”, excluding defensive actions. Clashes with Turkish security forces have diminished but not halted.