To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports she has received of the murders of Tilman Geske, Necati Aydin and Ugur Yuksel on 18 April 2007 in Malatya, Turkey; what representations she has made to the Government of Turkey on violence against Christian minorities; and if she will make a statement. (140923)

The Government condemn the recent attack in Malatya and welcome the Turkish Government's determination to bring the perpetrators to justice. We note the detention of 10 suspects and continue to follow developments closely.

Our embassy in Ankara reports regularly on human rights issues in Turkey, including freedom of religion. We also receive reports from the European Commission and other international organisations.

Through regular bilateral discussions, we continue to urge Turkey to keep up the momentum of its human rights reform and to ensure that implementation of EU standards is full and consistent.