Nick Xenophon (SA, Independent) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

by leave—I rise to make a short statement on Senator Ferguson’s motion No. 402 in relation to Turkey. I wish to have it noted that I could not support that motion. I do not take issue with the motion where it celebrates the achievements of the Turkish community here in Australia nor where it refers to Gallipoli, but I do take issue with it where it relates to the Turkish nation and its human rights record in relation to the continuing occupation of the Republic of Cyprus and the treatment of minorities within Turkey. These are significant human rights issues. The issue of the Turkish occupation of Cyprus is one that has been the subject of numerous UN resolutions and, for that reason, I could not support the motion of Senator Ferguson.