TURKISH BLOCKADE OF ARMENIA

Early day motion 344, tabled 29 November 2006 by Nia Griffith (Labour). Signed by 76 members.

That this House recognises the incompatibility of Turkey's ongoing 13-year blockade of Armenia with the declared UK, NATO and EU policy objectives of regional security and prosperity; is appalled by the fact that Turkey is the only Council of Europe country to engage in a blockade against a fellow member-state; notes that the blockade has already had a considerable negative impact on Armenian, Turkish and regional development and continues to undermine efforts at international development in the region; further notes that Armenia is in favour of establishing diplomatic relations with Turkey; and urges the Turkish government to lift its blockade and work towards the establishment of diplomatic relations without any preconditions inconsistent with international law or the EU accession criteria.

Signatures by party: Labour 41, Liberal Democrat 18, Conservative 9, Plaid Cymru 3, Social Democratic and Labour Party 3, DUP 1, Independent 1.