Tag: Foreign Office

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 9 May 2024.

Ambassador Holland welcomes the Report by the Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo, and the work of the Mission over the last six months across the three pillars of its mandate.

Firstly, I would like to welcome Ambassador Davenport back to the Permanent Council for the final time as Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo. I would like to express my sincere gratitude for your expert leadership of the Mission over the last three (plus) years, during such a pivotal time for the Western Balkans region. Thank you, as always, for the written report on the activities of the Mission over the last six months, and the comprehensive presentation this morning.

Madam Chair, the United Kingdom shares the assessment in the Report of the concerning lack of progress towards Kosovo-Serbia normalisation, which continues to have negative implications for stability in the Western Balkans.

While the UK welcomes the progress in December on the energy roadmap and licence plates, many fundamental issues remain unresolved. We encourage both sides to engage constructively in the EU-facilitated Dialogue and to deliver on their respective obligations, including on establishing an Association of Serb-Majority Municipalities.

The UK will continue to encourage Kosovo to ensure that non-majority communities can play a full and equal role in the country’s future. In this respect, we urge Kosovo and Serbia to continue to work with the EU Special Representative to agree technical solutions to the implementation of the new regulation on foreign currencies.

We are also clear that Kosovo Serbs should be free to exercise their democratic rights and further integrate into Kosovan society. The recent boycott of the mayoral recall votes in the four northern municipalities is a step away from securing the representative democracy that the local population deserves, and we encourage Kosovo Serbs to return to institutions and serve their communities.

The UK reiterates the importance of ensuring justice and accountability for all acts of violence. We call on Serbia to cooperate fully with efforts to hold to account those responsible for the shocking attacks in Banjska last September, and on NATO KFOR troops last May. We also urge Serbia to take action to tackle cross-border arms smuggling.

In this context, the UK commends the work of the OSCE Mission during the last six months across the three core pillars of its mandate. In particular, we highly appreciate the Mission’s continued prioritisation of monitoring and early warning functions in light of the fragile security situation in northern Kosovo.

We value the Mission’s ongoing support to government institutions on human rights and inter-community relations, including recent support to delivery of the Kosovo government’s Strategy for the Protection and Promotion of the Rights of Communities. We also welcome the Mission’s continued work to strengthen institutional cooperation in tackling domestic and gender-based violence.

Madam Chair, the United Kingdom will remain a long-standing and strong supporter of Kosovo as an independent and sovereign state. We remain committed to supporting an inclusive, diverse and multi-ethnic democracy in Kosovo, and its full participation in the international system.

I would like to end by again thanking you, Ambassador Davenport, for your leadership of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo – both during this reporting period, and throughout the last three years. I commend your team’s expertise, engagement and hard work, and I wish you well in your future endeavours.

Thank you, Madam Chair.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 9 May 2024.

Ambassador Holland calls on Russia to release members of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission who have been unlawfully detained in Ukraine for more than two years.

Thank you, Madam Chair. It is with regret that we feel compelled, once again, to raise the cases of Vadym Golda, Maxim Petrov, and Dmytro Shabanov. All three are members of the Special Monitoring Mission in Ukraine (SMM) and have been unlawfully deprived of their liberty for more than two years by the Russian Federation and its proxies in Ukraine.

The SMM was established in 2014 through a decision of this body. Its mandate was agreed by all participating States, including Russia. For eight years the SMM, through its monitoring and reporting, acted as the eyes and ears of the international community, giving us much needed insight on the security situation in Ukraine.

In the years leading to Russia’s illegal full-scale invasion, independent and objective reporting of the SMM – which was provided equally to all participating States – was of significant value. It observed that an overwhelming majority of ceasefire violations took place in non-government-controlled areas of Ukraine. It observed advanced weaponry in these areas, weaponry that we know could only have been supplied by Russia. And it observed no unusual military build-up on the Ukrainian government-controlled side of the Line of Contact, demonstrating that Russia’s claims of a Ukrainian threat to the Donbas region were a fabricated pretext for Russia’s aggression.

So, you can see why Russia feared the impartial and fact-based reporting of the SMM.  The truth was an inconvenience.

So, over several years, Russia picked away at the ability of the SMM to operate; critically undermining the Mission’s freedom of movement and levelling unjustified criticisms.  Ultimately Russia was able to close down the SMM by blocking consensus on the extension of their mandate in the same way that it had closed down the Border Observation Mission.

Madam Chair, my government has previously put on record our sincere gratitude to the brave women and men of the SMM in Ukraine. They performed their OSCE-mandated roles with integrity and professionalism. They did so despite the risks to their safety, a risk underlined by the tragic loss of our two late colleagues:  Joseph Stone and Marina Fenina.  We should all be proud of them.

What none of us imagined was that our colleagues faced the risk of unlawful detention by the very people who asked them to do this difficult and dangerous job. Russia signed the SMM mandate, contributed to its operating costs and then betrayed their – and our – colleagues. It is truly shocking. The suffering that they and their loved ones are enduring remains a constant concern to us.

Russia’s actions fit a pattern, one that was set out very clearly in the report by the latest Moscow Mechanism expert mission. This found that: Russia had detained thousands of Ukrainian civilians, cutting them off from access to, or communication with, their loved ones; detainees were often subjected to torture and other ill treatment; and, the Russian authorities were restricting access to lawyers and denying fair trials.

As the expert mission noted “The continued detention of staff members of the OSCE SMM is incompatible with OSCE commitments”.

Madam Chair, we continue to call on Russia to end its unlawful detention of our colleagues and all Ukrainian citizens it has illegally detained. Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 9 May 2024.

Ms Danielle Dunne has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Paraguay in succession to Mr Ramin Navai who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment.  Ms Dunne will take up her appointment during January 2025.

CURRICULUM VITAE

Full name:  Danielle Dunne

Date	Role
2021 to present	Abuja, Head of Counter-Terrorism Network West Africa & Sahel
2017 to 2021	FCDO (formerly Department for International Development), Head of Evaluation Unit
2016 to 2017	DFID, Senior Evaluation Adviser
2015 to 2016	DFID, Evaluation Adviser on Methods
2013 to 2015	DFID, Evaluation Adviser for Afghanistan and Pakistan
2012 to 2013	Office of Security and Counter-Terrorism, Senior Researcher Officer
2009 to 2012	National Policing Improvement Agency, Research Officer
2005 to 2009	Queen Mary’s University, Research Associate

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 9 May 2024.

The UK government hosted a senior US government delegation for the second United States-UK Strategic Sanctions Dialogue.

Joint statement by the US Department of State and UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office:

On Wednesday 8 May 2024, the UK government hosted a senior US government delegation for the second US-UK Strategic Sanctions Dialogue.

Talks, which took place in London and followed the inaugural Dialogue held in Washington DC in July 2023, delivered on the commitment under the 2023 Atlantic Declaration for a Twenty-First Century US-UK Economic Partnership to strengthen coordination on sanctions and export controls. This brought together both countries’ departments and agencies for strategic discussions on priorities across geographic and thematic sanctions and export controls regimes. The UK delegation was led by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, and included senior officials from His Majesty’s Treasury, and the Department for Business and Trade. The US delegation was led by the State Department and included senior officials from the US Department of the Treasury and Department of Commerce.

The United States and the United Kingdom reaffirmed that sanctions and export controls are essential tools of national security policy. The delegations discussed the uses of targeted, coordinated sanctions and export control measures to deter and disrupt malign activity and to defend international norms.

In response to Russia’s war against Ukraine, together with our allies and partners, we have imposed unprecedented costs on the Kremlin through sanctions and export controls. These measures are starving Russia’s military of essential components and technology, along with other items, and constraining Putin’s ability to wage war on Ukraine. We will continue to work with allies to restrict sources of Russian revenue, including from services and key commodities such as energy and metals that allow Russia to fight. Beyond Russia, the United States and the United Kingdom reaffirmed our shared commitment to opposing those who threaten peace, security, and stability in the Middle East, reflected in recent coordinated actions targeting Iranian malign actors, Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad leaders and financiers, and those enabling Houthi Red Sea attacks. We are committed to holding to account those responsible for conducting or supporting terrorist and other destabilising activities in the Middle East.

The United States and the United Kingdom continue to intensify our coordination on United Nations and autonomous sanctions regimes, bilaterally and with other partners. This includes action to promote accountability for human rights violations and abuses, tackle corruption, counter terrorism, and weapons proliferation, and target cyber-criminal networks.

Across our programmes, we commit to continue to work together and with allies to ensure the effectiveness of our sanctions and export control measures. We will continue to collaborate to counter circumvention occurring in third country jurisdictions to strengthen our measures in support of shared national security and foreign policy goals.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 9 May 2024.

Alison Blackburne has replaced Sarah Montgomery OBE as the UK Special Envoy to the Horn of Africa and Red Sea.

Alison Blackburne has been appointed UK Special Envoy to the Horn of Africa and Red Sea. She takes up the role with experience in a wide range of diplomatic roles in the UK and overseas, including previously serving as the British High Commissioner to Uganda and British Ambassador to South Sudan.

The UK Envoy’s role is to lead the UK response to international activity in the Horn of Africa region, engaging with key actors.

Deputy Foreign Secretary Andrew Mitchell said:

The UK is committed to building our long-term partnerships in the Horn of Africa, wider East Africa and across the Gulf. Our relationship tackles a range of issues, from humanitarian crises to trade, investment, and regional security.

It’s been a critical year for the region, from a devastating conflict in Sudan, to attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea and building our trade links in the Gulf.

Alison will bring invaluable knowledge and experience to the role, and I am confident she will grow our diplomatic relationships in the coming years.

UK Special Envoy to the Horn of Africa and Red Sea Alison Blackburne said:

The Horn of Africa is a dynamic region, and the UK remains focussed on working with partners to bring peace, stability, and prosperity for its people.

We are committed to tackling the key issues which affect communities across the region.  These include conflict and instability, humanitarian crises, climate change and food insecurity, as well as the challenges and opportunities of regional economic cooperation and trade and investment.

 It is a privilege to accept this position, and I look forward to working with our international partners at such a crucial time.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 8 May 2024.

UK military advisor, Nicholas Aucott, says Russia’s human wave attacks are a grotesque approach that demonstrates the depths to which Putin will go to prop up Russian elite.

Thank you, Mr Chair. Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine continues to present the gravest security challenge in the history of this organisation. Having violated the principles of the OSCE, the Helsinki Final Act and the United Nations Charter, Russia continues its aggressive actions for the sole benefit of an autocratic Russian elite.

For the civilian population of Ukraine, they have been forced to endure untold hardship, misery, and death as Russia strikes civilian and critical national infrastructure with imprecise munitions. Last week a Russian airstrike targeted the city centre of Odesa, killing five people and injuring 30. Meanwhile, the relentless bombardment of Kharkiv continues, resulting in daily casualties, regular power outages and interruptions in water and heating supply.  It is our collective responsibility to remain strong in our resolve, our collective responsibility to stand up to this heinous act of aggression, to defend those against such acts of tyranny.

As Russia continues its attacks around Chasiv Yar, it does so utilising Storm-Z penal units, wasting lives in a grotesque approach that typifies the depths to which President Putin’s regime is prepared to go. Now, out of a pre-war population of 12,500, only 682 civilians remain in Chasiv Yar, with no running water or power supply for over a year.

For Russia, beyond the attempts to benefit a small elite, the impact on its own military is appalling. Throughout April 2024, the pattern of Russian casualties followed the pattern we have seen so far throughout this year with an average loss of 899 soldiers per day, bringing Russian total casualties to over 465,000. Mr Chair, not only is this an act of aggression against a sovereign nation, it also is a testament to the contempt in which Putin regards his own people and the lengths to which he is prepared to go.

Putin believes that momentum is on Russia’s side. Putin has forced Russia’s economy onto a war footing, and he continues to push on, regardless of the catastrophic cost to his own people. Putin believes he can outpace and outwait the West; however, nothing could be further from the truth.

The resolve of the United Kingdom and its partners to support Ukraine will remain steadfast. In January the Prime Minister announced an unshakeable 100 year partnership between the UK and Ukraine.  Furthermore, the British Foreign Secretary, following his recent visit to Ukraine, has announced a further package of support of £3bn per year ‘for as long as is necessary’, in addition to a £36m package in support of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, and investment in future innovations to support Ukraine’s energy transition and recovery.

Mr Chair, we must be in no doubt, if the free world were to falter and Putin to succeed, it would embolden him to use aggression elsewhere, against all our interests, and encourage other authoritarian regimes to threaten neighbours and use violence to achieve their objectives. Putin must not be allowed to subjugate Ukraine and dictate a world defined by danger, disorder, division and disinformation. As the war ploughs into its third year, we will not allow the international agenda to solidify on Kremlin terms.

The courage and resolve of the Ukrainian people and the bravery of their Armed Forces have impressed the world; they remain resilient and focused on liberating all their territory temporarily under Russian control. Ukraine has shown that with the right support it can defend itself, and the United Kingdom is, and will remain, unequivocally committed to standing steadfast by Ukraine in the face of Russia’s act of aggression. Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 8 May 2024.

Statement from the UK at Cambodia’s Universal Periodic Review at the Human Rights Council in Geneva.

Thank you, Madame Vice President.

The UK recognises Cambodia’s progress on social and cultural rights, including its commitment to social protection, climate change, education, and healthcare.

But we are concerned by increasing restrictions on civil and political rights, particularly the use of the judicial system to restrict independent media and opposition voices.

The UK welcomes steps taken by Cambodia to tackle online scamming, but we remain concerned by the inconsistent application of law enforcement.

We recommend that Cambodia:

Take steps to protect indigenous people’s rights in the implementation of economic land concessions and planned hydro-power dam construction, including through meaningful prior consultation; coherent resettlement schemes, and adequate compensation.

Introduce and amend existing legislation to recognise marriage equality for same sex couples.

Strengthen civil society participation and freedom of expression by repealing decisions to block independent media websites and by conducting meaningful civil society consultation on proposed legislative changes.

Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 8 May 2024.

Statement from the UK’s Permanent Representative to the WTO and UN, Simon Manley, at Vietnam’s Universal Periodic Review at the Human Rights Council.

Thank you, Mr President. Welcome Minister.

The UK recognises Vietnam’s progress on economic, social and cultural rights, including on Women, Peace and Security.

But we remain concerned by the targeting of environmental and public policy experts and NGOs.

We recommend that Vietnam:

1. Clarify the legal and financial obligations on national and international NGOs when receiving funding of any kind; grant a grace period for compliance; and ensure fair treatment before the law for any violations.
2. Reduce the number of crimes punishable by the death penalty.
3. Take steps to guarantee and protect the right to freedoms of expression, association, and religion through reforming Articles 117 and 331 of the Penal Code.

Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 7 May 2024.

International Holocaust Memorial Alliance Chair Lord Pickles welcomed the announcement of a new memorial to commemorate the persecution of the Roma community.

Tonight, the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) UK Presidency, wishes to congratulate the Roma community, on this important announcement. Roma communities deserve a memorial to call their own that remembers and mourns the persecution and genocide of Roma that took place across Europe by the Nazis and their collaborators, 80 years ago.

We look forward to the unveiling of the memorial in Newcastle when it is finally installed. It will mark an important milestone in UK history, as now a prominent site will exist for future generations to visit and learn about what happened in those darkest of times. It will also serve to deepen understanding of Roma today, the distinct Roma languages, diversity and vibrant cultures and, of course, Roma’s outstanding contribution to this country.

IHRA is proud to have developed a working definition of Anti-Roma discrimination which we strongly encourage countries to adopt as a tool to help counter and address entrenched prejudices. IHRA will also soon publish recommendations for teaching and learning about the genocide of the Roma. We hope this will raise the profile of it to educational policy change-makers and will also support teachers in the classroom to teach it accurately, sensitively and to a high standard.

We commend you on this initiative and support you in the journey ahead.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 7 May 2024.

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security Council meeting on Sudan.

Thank you, President, let me first congratulate you on assuming the Presidency for the month of May, and thank Malta for their excellent stewardship for the month of April. I also thank Under-Secretary-General Jean-Pierre Lacroix and Special Envoy Hannah Tetteh for your briefings. I welcome the participation of the representatives of Sudan and South Sudan at this meeting.

Let me start, President, by commending UNISFA for its efforts to maintain peace security in Abyei in challenging circumstances, including through collaboration between the Mission, NGOs, local authorities, and communities.

The United Kingdom is deeply concerned by the alarming rise in intercommunal clashes between the Ngok Dinka and Twic Dinka. Violent clashes over the past six months have led to hundreds of civilian casualties and claimed the lives of two peacekeepers. We take this opportunity to express our heartfelt condolences to the families of all victims and to the Governments of Ghana and Pakistan. As well as to the families of two ICRC workers killed on 2 May in South Darfur.

Second, the United Kingdom calls on the Sudanese and South Sudanese authorities to create the necessary conditions for UNISFA to fully implement its protection mandate. We further urge community leaders and influential figures to take steps to de-escalate tensions. The rise in South Sudanese troop deployments in and around Abyei has actively contributed to insecurity and the proliferation of arms in the area.

We call on South Sudan to withdraw its armed forces from southern Abyei immediately, in accordance with their obligations under the Status of Forces Agreement.

We call on Sudan to urgently ensure the safe resupply and freedom of movement of the Joint Border Verification Mechanism. And we further urge enhanced coordination by local authorities to ensure humanitarian assistance reaches the most vulnerable across Abyei.

Third, for real progress to be made in addressing Abyei’s dire humanitarian situation and its unresolved political status, fighting in Sudan must end now.

We reiterate our calls to the Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces to immediately cease hostilities and make way for a political transition.

In closing, President, civilians continue to bear the brunt of the military clashes in Sudan and intercommunal conflict across Abyei and South Sudan. Peacekeepers and humanitarians are risking their lives to try and alleviate suffering. They must not be targets.