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We remain concerned about freedom of expression in Turkey and continue to stress to the Turkish Government that whilst we condemn all acts of and support for terrorism, the non-violent expression of legitimate views should not be prosecuted. This is also highlighted in the European Commission's annual progress report of November 2008 as not being in line with the European Court of Human Rights case law. The point is likely to reappear in this year's report and will need to be addressed if Turkey is to make progress on EU accession.

In our contacts with the DTP we also stress that they need to distance themselves from violence if they are to take an active and constructive role in finding a solution to the Kurdish issue.

Zimbabwe

Question

Asked by Lord Taylor of Holbeach

To ask Her Majesty's Government which authority monitors the standards of establishments in Zimbabwe approved under Commission Decision 94/40/EC for the purpose of importing meat products into the European Union; when they last did so; and where any reports are published. [HL3886]

The Minister of State, Department of Energy and Climate Change & Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Lord Hunt of Kings Heath): It is the responsibility of the competent authority in Zimbabwe to monitor the standards of establishments in Zimbabwe approved under Commission Decision 94/40/EC to export meat products to the European Union. The European Commission's Food and Veterinary Office (FVO) is responsible for carrying out checks on compliance with the requirements of EU food safety and quality, veterinary and plant health legislation both within the European Union and of equivalent standards in third countries that are approved to export to the EU.

The last FVO mission to Zimbabwe was in June 2003 on farmed ratite (ostrich) meat. The FVO publishes its reports on its website.

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