Question to the Department for International Development:
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what discussions her Department has had with the Turkish Government on relief operations in the Afrin area of north west Syria in response to Operation Olive Branch.
We are following developments in Afrin closely. While we recognise Turkey’s legitimate interest in the security of its borders, we remain concerned about the impact on the humanitarian situation. Through the Foreign Secretary’s contact with Turkish Foreign Minister Çavuşoğlu, we have urged the Turkish Government to ensure the protection of civilians and to avoid further deterioration of the humanitarian situation.