Tag: Foreign Office

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 12 January 2023.

Bush stresses that the OSCE is now needed more than ever and reaffirms UK’s strong support to North Macedonia as incoming 2023 OSCE Chair.

Thank you, Mr Chair. On behalf of the UK, I warmly welcome you, Minister Osmani to the Permanent Council. Thank you for outlining the priorities for North Macedonia’s time as OSCE Chairperson-in-Office during 2023. We welcome your focus on people, on dialogue and on rebuilding trust.

The UK remains a strong supporter of the OSCE, of its institutions and of the principles and commitments which underpin its work. The OSCE’s concept of comprehensive security must remain at the organisation’s heart and form the basis of everything we do. In 2022 we met on an almost weekly basis to discuss the situation in Ukraine brought about by Russia’s illegal, premediated and unjustified invasion. Russia’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine not only continues to pose the most serious threat to the OSCE area but also continues to blight the lives of Ukrainians caught up in the war.. This must command our full attention and we will continue to support the OSCE structures which contribute towards a peaceful resolution and to bringing accountability for the abuses the people of Ukraine have endured. The UK will offer unwavering support to Ukraine until it prevails – as it inevitably will.

We need and will need the OSCE more than ever. We note that vulnerable regions and progress towards peace will be topping your agenda and share your view that the OSCE’s versatile toolbox supports its unique role in early warning, conflict prevention and resolution. We continue to support efforts to ensure peaceful resolutions to the protracted conflicts in Georgia and Moldova, including through the valuable work of the Mission to Moldova. Field missions strengthen stability and governance in the OSCE region, including the Western Balkans and Central Asia and are a living representation of our shared OSCE principles and commitments.

Conventional arms control and confidence and security building measures remain crucial for security in the OSCE area. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has shown that the measures were not the issue, but that political will was. The UK remains committed to all confidence and security building measures, provided that all participating States fully abide by their commitments under international law, including the Helsinki Final Act and UN Charter.

Mr Chair – transnational threats, including transnational organised crime and cyber security, will remain security challenges in the OSCE area to which we need comprehensive, holistic responses. We also remain committed to strengthening economic resilience, through improved governance and cracking down on corruption which undermines our societies. Russia’s invasion has shown the interconnectedness of energy, food, infrastructure and climate to our collective security, and how the deliberate actions by one country can cause devastating ripples across the world. The UK supports the OSCE’s efforts to improve the region’s energy security and tackle climate change.

With democracy and human rights under attack in the OSCE region, we must continue to focus on the most egregious violations of our OSCE commitments using all available OSCE tools and mechanisms. The Moscow Mechanism has served us well in exposing abuses and violations. Recent events have shown that when a country fails to meet its domestic commitments, it sets the scene for external aggression. Your commitment to providing political support to the autonomous institutions will be invaluable to ensure that all participating States implement, and uphold, our human dimension commitments.

We share your determination to fight any kind of discrimination and intolerance. We look forward to continuing this work with you, including at the conference on anti-Semitism next month.

Your Excellency, in conclusion, the OSCE remains a critical multilateral institution for European and Euro-Atlantic security. As you said in Lodz, the OSCE needs to do its work as mandated and, as such, it is our duty to keep it fully functional and adequately funded. Agreement of the unified budget is essential to the smooth operation of the OSCE. Minister – At this vital time for our shared security, you can rely on the strong support of the UK as we collectively develop flexible solutions. We wish you and your very capable team here in Vienna all the best for your time as Chair-in-Office.

Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 12 January 2023.

The United Kingdom is contributing an additional £500,000 (BDT 60.6 million) in humanitarian support to respond to last year’s flooding in the Sylhet region, in which 7.2m people were affected. Delivered by BRAC, this funding will provide water, shelter, livelihoods opportunities, and improved nutrition for people affected in Sunamganj, Sylhet.

UK Development Director in Bangladesh, Matt Cannell, said

“Last year’s devastating floods in the Sylhet region underline that Bangladesh remains vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. This new funding provides vital water, nutrition, shelter and livelihoods opportunities to some of the worst affected communities in Sunamganj, Sylhet. The UK is proud to partner with BRAC to deliver this support.”

This new UK support will ensure safe water and shelter for nearly 1,000 affected households and restore livelihoods and food security for more than 5,000 affected households.

BRAC Executive Director, Asif Saleh, said

“The floods in northeastern Bangladesh, which affected over 7.2 million people in June 2022, were the worst to hit Bangladesh in the last two decades. They left a trail of destruction in nine districts, with Sunamganj being the worst affected. Significant efforts were undertaken to provide emergency response to meet immediate needs, but sustained humanitarian support is direly needed to help people recover and rebuild their lives. This partnership between the British High Commission and BRAC will be crucial in standing beside the people in Sunamganj and being a partner in their journey to build back better.”

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 11 January 2023.

Minister for Americas and the Caribbean David Rutley gave a statement at the UN Security Council meeting on Colombia.

Thank you President, Special Representative Massieu.

The UK Government remains committed to supporting the consolidation of peace in Colombia through the full implementation of the peace agreement with the FARC.

We welcome the Colombian Government’s commitment to implement the 2016 agreement as a fundamental part of its work to secure a broad and lasting peace.

We have been pleased to see renewed momentum over the past three months, including the government purchase of 3 million hectares from the Cattle Ranchers Association; the reactivation of the National Reintegration Council, and the concluding resolutions passed by the Special Jurisdiction for Peace.

We welcome today’s Council’s decision to expand the mandate of the UN Verification Mission, to cover progress on the rural reform and ethnic chapters of the peace agreement. It is clear that progress on these two chapters is vital.

As the Secretary-General set out in his recent report, violence remains the greatest threat to the consolidation of peace in Colombia.

We welcome the decisive action taken by the Government to strengthen public security forces in new reintegration areas, and the Vice-President’s announcement of increased funding to safeguard women leaders and human rights defenders.

We share the Government’s concern about attacks on human rights defenders, environmental advocates, and other civil society activists. We are committed to tackling these threats together in order to secure a better future for the Colombian people. We also welcome the continued close cooperation between Colombia and its international partners on tackling drugs and organised crime.

In this context, we welcome Government-led efforts to secure a ceasefire, in order to reduce insecurity and alleviate the suffering of conflict-affected populations.

We also welcome Special Representative Massieu’s support for the Government’s ongoing dialogue with the ELN.

President, Colombia remains an example to the world of the transformative potential of dialogue and leadership. I’ve seen that commitment first-hand on a recent visit.

As the Colombian people seek to overcome the remaining barriers to a broad and lasting peace, the UK is proud to stand with them.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 11 January 2023.

The Foreign Secretary has urged the Iranian authorities to release British-Iranian national Alireza Akbari.

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said:

“Iran must halt the execution of British-Iranian national Alireza Akbari and immediately release him.

This is a politically motivated act by a barbaric regime that has total disregard for human life.”

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 11 January 2023.

Lord Ahmad, the UK’s Minister of State for the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia, the UN and the Prime Minister’s Special Representative on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict, has undertaken a two-day official visit to Israel during which he met interfaith leaders, members of the tech sector and held bilateral talks with Government of Israel Ministers.

On Tuesday, the Minister visited Ahmadia Mosque, where he met with Imam Mohammad Sharif Oudeh, Rabbi Golan Ben Horin, Reverent Hatim Shihade, Sheikh Kassem Bader, Haifa’s Mayor Einat Kalish Rotem, and discussed co-existence in Haifa. Lord Ahmad then continued on a tour to the Baha’i Gardens, to hear about the history of the Baha’i faith and the role Haifa has played as the heart of the Baha’i community.

The Minister visited the Technion – The Israeli Institute of Technology – where he was briefed about Israel’s top tier scientific innovation. He was hosted by Professor Hosam Hayek, a recipient of the BIRAX grant for UK-IL scientific collaborations, who presented the results of his research in early-stage disease detection to the Minister.

Lord Ahmad also met with leading stakeholders in the Arab-Israeli tech ecosystem before visiting the ESIL innovation and venture lab, where he met with Moshe Kaplinsky, Chairman of Bazan Group and ESIL CEO, Amir Horowitz, who presented him with Israeli start-ups developing innovative solutions to climate challenges.

Today (Wednesday) Lord Ahmad held bilateral meetings with the Israeli Foreign Minister, Eli Cohen, and the Economy Minister, Nir Barkat. Lord Ahmad and Minister Cohen discussed regional security issues including Iran, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the opportunities presented by the Abraham Accords. Lord Ahmad and Minister Barkat discussed the ongoing Israel-UK free trade agreement negotiations and the possibilities held for Israeli companies in the UK.

At the end of his visit, Lord Ahmad said:

I am pleased to be back in Israel and meet with members of the new government. Israel is a valued partner for the UK, and I am excited to continue strengthening our bilateral relations and trade partnership and taking it to new heights.

With counterparts, I discussed the UK and Israel’s shared security threats, including Iran’s destabilising actions in the region and Russia’s unprovoked, premeditated invasion of Ukraine.

I also encouraged all efforts to avoid provocative unilateral actions in Jerusalem and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, which only serve to undermine prospects for a lasting and peaceful solution.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 11 January 2023.

Ms Jan Thompson CMG OBE has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Norway in succession to Mr Richard Wood. Ms Thompson will take up her appointment during April 2023.

Curriculum vitae

Full name: Jan Thompson

Year	Role
2018 to present	New Delhi, Deputy High Commissioner, including one year as Acting High Commissioner
2018	Ottawa, Deputy High Commissioner, Temporary Duty
2013 to 2018	Prague, Her Majesty’s Ambassador
2012 to 2013	Full Time Language Training (Czech)
2011 to 2012	FCO, Project Leader, The Future of FCO Climate Diplomacy
2011	FCO, Head, Libya Unit
2010 to 2011	FCO, Short project on diplomacy and transparency
2010	FCO, Head, Strategic Defence and Security Review Team
2007 to 2010	Secondment to Department of Energy Climate Change, UK Lead Negotiator, International Climate Negotiations
2005 to 2007	FCO, Comprehensive Spending Review Programme Director
2005	FCO, Senior FCO Representative in Scotland for G8 Summit
2005	Phuket, Head British Embassy Office
2002 to 2005	FCO, Head Afghanistan Group
2000 to 2002	FCO, Deputy Head, United Nations Department
1997 to 2000	UK Permanent Representation to the United Nations New York, First Secretary (Security Council)
1994 to 1997	FCO, Head of Section, Eastern Adriatic Unit
1994	Berlin, Temporary Duty
1992 to 1994	Bonn, Second Secretary (Political)
1991 to 1992	Secondment to German Ministry of Foreign Affairs
1990 to 1991	FCO, Desk Officer El Salvador, Honduras and Costa Rica, Latin America Department

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 11 January 2023.

Ms Katy Ransome has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Mali in succession to Mr Barry Lowen, who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Ms Ransome will take up her appointment during January 2023.

Curriculum vitae

Full name: Katharine Marjorie Ransome

Year	Role
2020 to 2022	FCDO, Head of Gender Equality Unit, Multilateral Policy Department, later Head of Gender and Conflict, Conflict, Stabilisation and Mediation Directorate
2016 to 2020	Gaborone, British High Commissioner and UK Special Representative to the Southern African Development Community
2013 to 2016	FCO, Head, Network Resources Team, Europe Directorate
2010 to 2012	British Office for Somalia, Deputy Head of Mission
2009 to 2010	Antananarivo, Political Officer
2007 to 2008	Kabul, Head of Military & Political Team
2006 to 2007	Kabul, Regional Affairs Advisor
2004 to 2006	FCO, Head of European Defence Policy, Security Policy Department
2004	Madrid, First Secretary
2001 to 2003	FCO, Head, Turkey Team, EU-Mediterranean Team
1997 to 2001	Budapest, Second Secretary
1995 to 1996	FCO, Desk Officer, G7/8 Team
1995	Joined FCO

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 11 January 2023.

On his first visit to the region since his appointment as the UK Minister for the Middle East, Lord Ahmad will visit the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs) to understand the challenges facing Palestinians, reinforcing the importance of the bilateral relationship and see first-hand the impact of UK development and humanitarian support in the West Bank. He will engage with the Palestinian Authority leadership, the Palestinian public, faith leaders, young people and meet with inspiring Palestinians working to create thriving and profitable businesses.

During his visit Lord Ahmad will meet with key humanitarian partners and announce £3.7m of additional funding to UNRWA to support food assistance to 1.2 million of the most vulnerable Palestinian refugees in Gaza.

During his time in the Old City of Jerusalem, Lord Ahmad will tour Haram Al Sharif and meet with Sheikh Azzam Al Khatib Al Tamimi, Director General of Islamic Endowments in Jerusalem. He will also visit the Christian and Jewish Quarters of the city where he will reiterate the importance of the Status Quo and Jordanian custodianship over the Holy Sites in Jerusalem.

Lord Ahmad will also visit Hebron to hear about the impact of Israeli settler violence on Palestinian residents and visit an UNRWA school where he will meet with students and hear how UK aid supports the education of Palestinian boys and girls.

The Minister will visit the Royal Plastics Factory in Hebron to understand the challenges and opportunities for Palestinian businesses and see how the UK’s technical assistance programmes and diplomatic engagement are helping to support economic development. In a separate engagement he will also discuss what more the UK could do to unlock the potential of Palestinian companies with key businesspeople.

In Masafer Yatta in the South Hebron Hills, Lord Ahmad will see the impact of UK aid on vulnerable Palestinians living in Area C, who are facing the threat of eviction and demolition of their homes. He will reiterate the UK’s opposition to evictions and demolitions, which are illegal under international law in all but the most exceptional circumstances.

During the Minister’s engagements with representatives from the United Nations, Lord Ahmad will discuss the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the OPTs and reiterate the UK’s longstanding support to UNRWA which provides essential services to Palestinian refugees across the region.

The Minister’s own interest in theology and work to promote freedom of religion and belief will be channelled into informal discussions with religious leaders and key thinkers to discuss the contribution of interfaith dialogue towards conflict resolution.

Lord Ahmad is scheduled to hold a series of bilateral meetings with the Palestinian Authority to reiterate the UK’s continued support for the Palestinian people and for a negotiated two-state solution, based on 1967 borders, with Jerusalem as a shared capital, as the only way to ensure a just and lasting peace.

Ahead of his visit, Lord Ahmad said:

“My visit comes at a difficult but important time for the Palestinian people, and I want to re-emphasise UK support to the Palestinian people and our unwavering commitment to a negotiated two-state solution as the only means of ending this conflict.

“Visits to various parts of the West Bank, including East Jerusalem will allow me to witness first-hand the challenges facing Palestinians as well as to see the impact of UK funding to some of the most vulnerable.

“I look forward to discussing UK-Palestinian relations with a wide range of interlocutors over the coming days.”

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 11 January 2023.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 10 January 2023.

The British Embassy in Beirut categorically rejects the unsubstantiated, erroneous and misleading claims made in a report on UK support for the IMPACT project published by Al Akhbar on 9 January 2023. We are and remain proud of our contribution to anti-corruption efforts in Lebanon, including the important work of the IMPACT platform, Central Inspection and Judge George Attieh.

The British Embassy agreed a Memorandum of Understanding with Central Inspection on 20 August 2021 which detailed our Governance, Oversight, & Accountability Project. The Lebanese government mentioned the project in their financial plan issued on 30 April 2020. This project consists of technical assistance to Central Inspection. Despite baseless accusations, the project complies with the highest international standards for data protection and security using industry-leading providers.

We were disappointed that Al Akhbar’s editors did not contact us for comment ahead of publishing the article. This would have allowed us to correct a number of factual errors and misunderstandings.

IMPACT’s work is ground-breaking and the first of its kind in Lebanon. Improving access to e-governance provides much-needed transparency and accountability. IMPACT’s high profile achievements include enabling the COVID vaccine roll out and the World Bank Social Safety Net.

The UK is clear that Lebanon’s leaders should focus on establishing a government to deliver meaningful reforms, including to secure an IMF deal. This is a vital step to alleviate the economic crisis and improve the lives of the Lebanese people. We have consistently called out corruption in Lebanon’s governance systems, most recently in an article co-signed by G7 Ambassadors together with the EU Ambassador last month to mark World Anti-Corruption day. We will continue to work with our international partners in support of programmes and institutions committed to combatting corruption and promoting transparency, both of which are fundamental to a better future for Lebanon.