Tag: Foreign Office

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 26 July 2023.

Ambassador Neil Holland thanks Bulgaria for chairing the Forum for Security Cooperation professionally, despite Russia’s destructive behaviour.

Thank you, Madam Chair.  I would like to start by thanking you for your professional stewardship of this Forum over the past trimester.  You and your team have ensured that this Forum has remained relevant and able to fulfil its mandate during challenging times.

This Forum has rightly remained focused on Russia’s unprovoked, full-scale and illegal invasion of Ukraine. Russia continues to challenge the foundations of European security. To violate the UN Charter. And to flagrantly disregard the Helsinki Final Act’s core principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity and the non-use of force. Under your leadership, we have shown that these principles and this Forum continue to matter.  And that we will keep on defending both.

Madam Chair, the Security Dialogues this trimester focused different thematic lenses on Ukraine.  The Forum discussed the Black Sea, weeks before Russia’s unilateral withdrawal from the Black Sea Grain Initiative and reprehensible attacks on civilian infrastructure in Odesa. It highlighted the environment-security nexus, in the aftermath of the destruction of the Kakhovka dam – the impacts of which could last for decades.  And to mark the International Day of Women in Diplomacy, this Forum paid tribute to the women of Ukraine, and to our diplomatic colleagues.  It is essential that we continue to champion women’s full, equal, meaningful, and safe participation in political and peace processes.

Madam Chair, it is over 500 days since Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine.  Since 24 February last year, we have seen the extraordinary determination of the Ukrainian people as they have defended their homeland.  And we have seen a frustrated Russian military unleash horrendous amounts of violence on civilians and critical national infrastructure. Despite the disinformation perpetrated by our Russian colleagues, it is clear to all that Putin made a grave miscalculation when he chose to invade a sovereign neighbour. And it is clear that millions of young Russians will bear the cost for years to come for an invasion they did not choose. Indeed, far too many will have paid the ultimate price.

No one can deny the Belarusian regime is an active supporter of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. We call upon the Belarusian regime to desist from supporting Russia’s attempts to stoke further regional instability.  Any complicity in the invasion itself constitutes a breach of international law.

Russia’s destructive behaviour in Ukraine has been mirrored in the OSCE. It compounded years of non-compliance by triggering the process to permanently leave the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe.  This showed Russia’s ongoing disregard for the Euro-Atlantic security architecture and the principles of arms control.  The Russian delegation blocked consensus on holding the Annual Security Review Conference – another unwelcome first for the OSCE.  And the behaviour of the Russian delegation in this Forum has breached and at times gone way beyond diplomatic norms. So I would like, in that light, to pay particular tribute to you, Madam Chair, for standing up to that behaviour.

I would like to conclude by thanking Bosnia-Herzegovina as it leaves the FSC Troika, and to welcome Cyprus.  As the incoming Chair, Canada can count on the UK’s full, continued support next trimester. As can Ukraine – as it fights a war it did not choose and against an enemy who has demonstrated a disregard for international law, sovereignty, and human rights.  Ukraine must remain at the forefront of our minds over the summer and into next trimester.  The UK and the international community will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes.  Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 26 July 2023.

Statement by Ambassador to the General Assembly Richard Croker at UN General Assembly 94th plenary meeting 77th session.

Thank you.

We have been clear in our position: the UK fully rejects intolerance and discrimination. We denounce hatred on the basis of religion or belief, and we condemn the recent incidents of the burning of the Holy Qu’ran. Defending freedom of religion or belief for all is a priority for the UK and we shall continue to stand up for the rights of all individuals and promote mutual respect.

As we stated during the urgent debate at the Human Rights Council in Geneva just weeks ago when combatting religious intolerance, there is a balance to strike – and across different societies, this balance is struck in different ways. Determining at what point freedom of expression becomes unacceptable, and when unacceptable speech or action should be prohibited, is a complex issue.

However, international human rights law provides us with narrowly defined parameters in which freedom of expression can be limited. We do not accept that, by definition, attacks on religion, including on religious texts or symbols, constitute advocacy for hatred. Furthermore, the framework in place already defines what kind of speech must be prohibited, and what must not be restricted.

Whilst we completely reject acts seeking to incite discrimination, hostility or violence, we need to recognise that the primary function of the international human rights framework is to protect individuals from the State. There are too many examples in the world where believers – religious or not – have ben oppressed by those who are meant to guarantee their rights.

The UK has reluctantly joined consensus on this resolution. Whilst we thank our Moroccan colleagues for their engagement on this resolution, we are disappointed that our efforts to find more balanced language were not fully taken on board. We would have preferred to redouble our collective efforts to find a mutually more agreeable position.

We remain concerned with several elements of the text, particularly language which could suggest limitations on freedom of expression beyond what is well established in international human rights law. We do not think it is necessary to agree a new definition of hate speech which may undermine the existing finely balanced position in international human rights law, which already provides a clear framework. We, therefore, oppose any future attempts to agree new definitions of hate speech at UN level, including at the proposed conference in 2025. The UK dissociates itself from PP13 and OP2 of the resolution.

Our hope is that going forwards we can find a way to ensure we work together to protect and defend both freedom of religion or belief, and freedom of expression.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 26 July 2023.

A Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office spokesperson statement on North Korea’s ballistic missile launches overnight on 24 July.

North Korea’s ballistic missile launches overnight on 24 July are a breach of multiple UN Security Council resolutions. Illegal ballistic missile launches continue to destabilise the peace and security of the Korean Peninsula.

The UK will always call out these violations of UNSCRs. We strongly urge North Korea to return to dialogue and take credible steps towards denuclearisation.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 25 July 2023.

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security Council meeting on West Africa and the Sahel.

Let me start by congratulating SRSG Simão on his appointment and thank him and ECOWAS Commission President Touray for their briefing. I will make three points focusing on democracy, security and humanitarian issues.

First, while welcoming the democratic progress in parts of the region, the United Kingdom is concerned by democratic uncertainty and shrinkage of civic space in some countries.

Progress towards the restoration of constitutional governments in Mali, Burkina Faso and Guinea has been too slow.

We need to redouble our collective efforts to hold transitional administrations to account on election timetables. We urge UNOWAS to continue supporting countries to conduct free and fair elections and note with concern the recent election discrepancies in Sierra Leone.

Second, we remain concerned about the Sahel region’s deteriorating security situation and instability, including the risk of its spreading to the coastal states.

We look forward to the SG’s forthcoming transition plan for MINUSMA, including how UNOWAS can support Mali’s transition and peace agreement.

The United Kingdom remains committed to protecting civilian rights. That is why we are concerned by the damage being done by the Russian mercenary group Wagner across the region.

Their track record proves Wagner has not and cannot deliver long-term security. From Mali to Ukraine, and even Russia, all Wagner offers is chaos and destruction – and it is civilians who suffer most.

Now, that President Putin has acknowledged Wagner is funded by the Russian state after years of denial, we call on Russia to hold accountable those responsible for its human rights abuses, rapes and killings.

We welcome increased regional security coordination, including the Accra Initiative.

We encourage efforts that provide coordinated and targeted support, including those that are complementary to wider regional initiatives.

The UK is also reinforcing African security through our contributions to multilateral peacekeeping and conflict prevention. And our bilateral security partnerships, including with Ghana and Nigeria and bilateral humanitarian and development funding.

Third, the humanitarian situation in the Sahel remains dire, including pockets of famine in Burkina Faso.

It is essential humanitarian actors are allowed safe and unimpeded access. And as we’ve heard today, the humanitarian and security challenges are exacerbated by climate change.

In closing, we look forward to continuing working in partnership with UNOWAS and ECOWAS to help address these complex regional challenges and build regional peace and security.

We join those members in calling for adoption of a PRST [Presidential Statement] to underpin our support for the mission of UNOWAS.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 25 July 2023.

James Cleverly is on a 3-day visit to Qatar, Kuwait, and Jordan, which will emphasise the UK’s growing partnership with the region.

• James Cleverly to begin 3-day visit to Qatar, Kuwait and Jordan today (July 25)
• Foreign Secretary will emphasise the UK’s growing partnership with the region – with Gulf countries and Jordan set to benefit from the UK’s new visa travel scheme
• he will also announce funding to support women and girls and to help the most vulnerable refugees in Jordan

The Foreign Secretary will travel to the Middle East today (Tuesday 25 July) on a 3-day tour to emphasise the UK’s growing, mutually-beneficial partnerships with the region.

The visit, which will include Qatar, Kuwait and Jordan, comes after the government recently announced that citizens from Gulf countries and Jordan will benefit from the UK’s new Electronic Travel Authorisation visa scheme, which will make travel to the UK cheaper and easier for visitors.

All 3 countries are also important energy, defence and security partners for the UK, and trade and investment with the Gulf is vital to support the Prime Minister’s priorities to grow the economy. UK trade with Qatar and Kuwait was worth £18.1 billion last year alone.

In Jordan, the Foreign Secretary will announce up to £1.5 million to support initiatives for women and girls. The funding will go towards civil society organisations.

He will also meet with representatives from UNHCR (the UN’s refugee agency) and the World Food Programme where he will announce funding of £30 million over 3 years to provide cash assistance and support to the poorest refugees. This will cover their basic food and living needs – reaching an estimated 70,000 refugees per year in the camps and host communities.

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said:

I am delighted to be back in the Middle East. The UK’s mutually beneficial relationships with the Gulf and Jordan continue to thrive. We have a bright future together.

From working together on shared goals like developing stronger trade ties and security, I am proud of how we are collaborating for the benefit of us all.

The UK also remains committed to supporting refugees and host communities, collaborating with our partners to help the most vulnerable in the region.

In Qatar today, the Foreign Secretary will meet with the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani.

He will then travel to Kuwait to meet His Highness the Crown Prince, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, and explore opportunities to strengthen cooperation.

In Jordan on Thursday, he will meet with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Safadi.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 25 July 2023.

Ambassador Neil Holland says that Russia’s attacks on Odesa’s cathedral, city centre, and grain facilities are inexcusable and must cease.

Thank you, Mr Chair. At last week’s Permanent Council, I spoke of the depressing predictability of attacks on Ukraine’s grain infrastructure almost the moment Russia had withdrawn from the Black Sea Grain Initiative (BSGI). Since then, the Russian Federation has added an appalling list of civilian, cultural and religious sites to the list targeted by days of sustained missile attacks in Odesa. On Sunday, Russia struck Odesa’s Transfiguration Cathedral, as well as the surrounding UNESCO-listed town centre. This is in violation of the 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict. The cathedral offered its congregation a place to worship, pray, and come together. By attacking it, Russia has attacked the heart of a civilian community. This is an act of cultural and religious vandalism.

Russia’s attacks on Odesa are part of its systematic efforts to deliberately prevent Ukrainian grain exports and threaten the world’s food supply. The people of Odesa are killed, wounded, and traumatised by Russian aggression. Grain and shipping facilities are destroyed. Exports cannot leave port. The world’s most vulnerable are directly harmed by Russia’s illegal and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. By unilaterally forcing the collapse of the BSGI and then attacking grain infrastructure, Russia has used food as a weapon. It is knowingly preventing grain reaching those in Africa and Asia who need it most.

There are reports that Russia is now offering to supply grain to vulnerable countries in Africa. We should be under no illusion that this is somehow a generous or humanitarian gesture by Russia. If that were the case, Russia would not be ruining Ukraine’s ability to export grain. Grain which accounts for much of the World Food Programme’s global wheat supply, and which is sent to countries around the world who are in great need of it, particularly in Africa. By withdrawing from the BSGI, up to 24 million tonnes of grain and other foodstuffs from Ukraine’s upcoming harvest may now not reach global markets. If Russia was truly serious about global food security, it would withdraw its forces from Ukraine and end its illegal war.

Mr Chair, history teaches us that these inhumane attacks on Odesa will not succeed in breaking the spirit of the Ukrainian people. In 1936, the Transfiguration Cathedral was destroyed on Stalin’s orders. But it was rebuilt by Ukraine and stood again. Despite the damage and terror caused by Russia’s latest missile strikes, the people of Odesa are already uniting in the recovery effort. A neighbouring congregation has helped to clear the wreckage inside the cathedral. Others cleared the shattered glass from the grass and flowers around the cathedral. This selfless bravery and unity have characterised how the Ukrainian people have stood firm in the face of Russia’s destruction. Ukraine will win this war, and we will stand by it for as long as it takes. Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 25 July 2023.

FCDO statement on Israel Judicial Reforms.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 24 July 2023.

Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council meeting on Syria.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 24 July 2023.

UK Ambassador to the WTO in Geneva, Simon Manley, spoke on subjects, including the 13th Ministerial Conference, at the Trade Negotiations Committee.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 24 July 2023.

The FCDO has issued a statement following elections in Cambodia.

An FCDO spokesperson said:

The UK is a long-term partner in Cambodia’s prosperity and stability, and believes progress in these areas is best sustained through a democratic political culture that supports open discussion of diverse perspectives.

Democratic elections depend on credible, open, and fair competition. We regret that these elections were preceded by a narrowing of the political space, including the disqualification of the main opposition Candlelight Party earlier this year, resulting in an election that was neither free nor fair. The UK views this as a missed opportunity to strengthen Cambodia’s democracy.

The UK remains committed to supporting efforts to enhance democratic processes and civic space in Cambodia, and to supporting the people of Cambodia.