§ Mr. Harry GreenwayTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action Her Majesty's Government will take to encourage the Government of Turkey to ensure the preservation of the Suryani community in south-eastern Turkey.
§ Mr. David DavisOur ambassador in Ankara has discussed the concerns of the Suryani community with the Turkish authorities and stressed that it is their duty to investigate and stamp out cases of harassment and kidnapping. We shall continue to take a close interest in the Christian communities in Turkey.
§ Mr. Harry GreenwayTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what Her Majesty's Government are doing to encourage the Turkish authorities to allow the Syrian Orthodox Church in Turkey to have its own theological seminary and to teach the Syriac language in schools.
§ Mr. David DavisWe take a close interest in the Christian communities in Turkey in the context of our wider concerns on human rights. Our ambassador and other members of the embassy take advantage of their 729W visits outside the capital to meet with community leaders and to discuss their concerns with the local Turkish authorities.