Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions she has had with the Government of Turkey on the treatment of Christians in the Khabur Valley of north-east Syria by members of the Turkish armed forces.

The UK is firmly committed to supporting the rights of ethnic and religious minorities in Syria who have suffered as a result of conflict and persecution, particularly by Daesh. Turkey remains a close friend and a NATO ally; however, the UK made clear its opposition to Turkey's military operation in north east Syria in October 2019.  FCDO Ministers and officials maintain regular contact with the Turkish Government and frequently discuss the situation in Syria, including to urge them, as with all parties to the conflict, to adhere fully to the ceasefire in north east Syria. The UK also calls on all parties to the conflict in Syria to respect international law.