asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will make representations to the Government of Turkey concerning the welfare and safety of Orhan Ant, a Protestant missionary in Samsun on the Black Sea, who has reportedly received death threats because of his work. [HL1251]

We remain concerned about the safety of Christian priests and missionaries following a number of attacks during 2007. But the Turkish Government are providing and devoting a significant amount of additional police resources to provide protection to officially recognised Christian minorities and to other Christian groups.

There are currently no plans to make representations to the Turkish Government on the individual case of Orhan Ant. We are not aware of any direct request for UK assistance on this case and we have had no contact that would enable us to comment on his specific circumstances.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they support the Ankara-based Human Rights Association of Turkey. [HL1252]

Officials from our embassy in Ankara regularly meet members of the Human Rights Association at its headquarters in Ankara and at provincial level. The Government support the development of strong civil society organisations in Turkey, particularly in the field of human rights.