Tag: Foreign Office

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 30 September 2022.

A Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office spokesperson said:

The UK is deeply concerned by North Korea’s decision to carry out further ballistic missile tests on 29 September in violation of UN Security Council Resolutions.

We urge North Korea to refrain from provocations and take concrete steps towards complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearisation. Alongside our allies and partners, the UK is committed to peace on the Korean Peninsula, upholding the rules-based international system and securing an end to North Korea’s unlawful activities. We strongly encourage North Korea to return to dialogue with the US.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 30 September 2022.

Ms Saffienne Vincent-Neal highlights at OSCE’s Human Dimension Conference that independent media and journalists are essential to keep governments accountable.

Mr Chair, strong, independent media and journalists are part of the bedrock of democratic societies and are essential to hold governments to account. We support the vital work of ODIHR and the Representative on Freedom of the Media as an early warning mechanism when fundamental freedoms are challenged.

In times of war, the media’s role in providing timely and accurate information is even more important. As Ukraine liberates more territory, journalists expose the atrocities caused by Russia’s military aggression.

We are appalled by the findings of the Moscow Mechanism reports on Russia’s aggression in Ukraine. Journalists have been subjected to unlawful detentions, abductions, enforced disappearances and torture. At least 15 killed so far; with reports that hundreds more have been shelled, shot, or detained. In the parts of Ukraine temporarily controlled by Russia, the information space has been severely restricted. We share the condemnation by the UN and other international organisations of the cyber-attacks on Ukraine’s media and internet infrastructure.

The Moscow Mechanism report on Russia’s internal repression exposes a systemic and repressive war against the freedom of the Russian people. Propaganda, repressive legislation, and violence have created a climate of fear and intimidation. From 1992-2021 reportedly at least 58 journalists were killed in Russia for their work.

Since February, legislation has suppressed freedom to express dissent and criminalised the “discrediting” of Russia’s Armed Forces. How is this legislation and practice compatible with the human dimension obligations that Russia freely signed up to as an OSCE founding member? And, what message does this send? Be quiet or be persecuted.

As we have seen, most independent journalists and media outlets have left Russia or closed. The Russian government is isolating the Russian people from credible information, from the world outside of Russia’s borders. Those reporting accurately on Ukraine, face jail, including dual British-Russian national Vladimir Kara-Murza. As the Moscow Mechanism report clearly says, “this is military censorship”. We remind the Russian Government of the Milan Decision on Safety of Journalists in 2018, and urge them to comply with the 1991 Moscow Declaration which stressed the importance of protecting vulnerable groups in armed conflict, including journalists.

And we call for accountability – for Ukrainians persecuted in occupied territories and for Russians seeking simply to be able to tell the truth.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 29 September 2022.

Statement by Fergus Eckersley, UK Political Coordinator at the UN at the Security Council meeting on chemical weapons in Syria.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 29 September 2022.

Minister Docherty says the UK will never recognise the results of Russia’s sham referenda, nor any attempts to illegally annex Ukrainian territory.

Vladimir Putin’s sham referenda must be seen for what they are. A brazen and desperate attempt, to justify an unprovoked and illegal land grab, of sovereign Ukrainian territory.

They are a clear violation of international law and the UN Charter. And wholly illegitimate.

That is why the United Kingdom will never recognise the supposed results. Nor any Russian attempt to illegally annex Ukrainian territory.

We have seen Vladimir Putin use this playbook before, in Crimea. As then, Russia will try to claim that these latest votes were free and fair.

But no amount of Russian lies can hide what we all see plainly: A sham. A propaganda exercise. Without a shred of legitimacy. Conducted down the barrel of a gun, by soldiers accompanying ballots door-to-door, forcing Ukrainians to vote.

For 7 months, in an attempt to destroy Ukrainian identity, Vladimir Putin’s forces have ruthlessly used violence and torture against civilians – and forced deportations – to exert control.

Sham referenda held under such fear and harassment can never be free, nor fair.

As highlighted by my Foreign Secretary last week, we know Vladimir Putin planned to rig the outcomes. Russia has no choice but to fabricate the results. These regions voted overwhelmingly to join an independent Ukraine in 1991, and for President Zelenskyy in 2019.

Earlier this week, the United Kingdom announced sanctions against those behind these bogus votes, including 33 officials and collaborators deployed by Russia to conduct them.

This latest Russian deception, and Putin’s decision to partially mobilise Russia’s population, only serve to highlight one thing: his invasion is failing.

His war machine is depleted. His supply of volunteers willing to fight in Ukraine has been exhausted. Partial mobilisation will only send many more thousands of innocent Russians to die in Putin’s war-of-choice. A war which he could end right now.

Vladimir Putin’s nuclear threats are irresponsible and will not work. Ukrainians are highly motivated. The international alliance is cast-iron strong. We and our allies are clear that any use of nuclear weapons by Russia would be met with severe consequences.

The United Kingdom’s approach will not alter. We will be steadfast in support of Ukraine – and its right to defend its sovereign territory – for as long as it takes.

We call on all participating States to join us in unequivocally rejecting the results of these illegitimate referenda, and any Russian attempts to illegally annex Ukrainian territory.

If we allow Russia to change sovereign borders by force, then the core principles on which the OSCE was founded – of sovereign equality; the inviolability of frontiers; and respect for territorial integrity – lie in tatters.

And all of our borders become less secure.

This is about freedom and security for the people of Ukraine. But also about freedom and security across Europe and the World.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 29 September 2022.

UK Human Rights Ambassador, Rita French, delivered a statement on the cases of reprisals in Venezuela, Belarus, Burundi and China, calling on them to be ceased.

Thank you, Madame Vice President.

The United Kingdom welcomes the Secretary General’s report and its focus on the need to address the significant problem of reprisals against individuals co-operating with the UN. We reiterate the Report’s concerns on the continued targeting of women that seek to engage in peace and security processes.

As the #EndReprisals Campaign makes clear, the UN is the final arena in which individuals and entities promoting peace and justice can confront abuses. States present here today have a collective responsibility to ensure that the UN is a safe space for those that courageously come forward.

Madame Vice President, when human rights defenders or other members of civil society co-operate with the UN, they are helping us to achieve our collective mission. Reprisals damage the UN, and by extension, all Member States.

We are dismayed that cases of reprisals continue to be commonplace, including in Venezuela, Belarus and China. What makes this even more abhorrent is where reprisals take place in this Council. Members of this Council, who have been elected with the mandate that they will uphold the highest standards of human rights.

Madame Vice-President,

What can be done to address the chilling effect of reprisals on the valuable engagement by human rights defenders in UN processes?

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 29 September 2022.

Foreign Secretary Rt Hon James Cleverly MP is in Singapore today (29 September), for the first time since taking up the role, to underscore the UK’s partnership with Singapore, ASEAN and the Indo-Pacific region.

The Foreign Secretary will meet the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister and his Singaporean counterpart, Foreign Minister Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, to launch a regional investment initiative and give a keynote speech on the UK’s approach to the Indo-Pacific.

Speaking from Singapore, Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said:

The links between the UK and Singapore are founded on our shared beliefs in free trade and international law and our strong commitment to the rules-based multilateral system.

Singapore is an important and strategic partner as well as a global, economic and political hub. I look forward to strengthening this partnership, working together to solve global challenges and creating sustainable prosperity in the UK, Singapore and the Indo-Pacific.

The Foreign Secretary will meet Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong to reaffirm the UK’s commitment to stronger bilateral ties with Singapore and discuss future cooperation on regional trade and security.

At the Milken Institute Asia Summit, the Foreign Secretary will deliver a speech outlining the UK’s outlook on the Indo-Pacific region.

The Foreign Secretary will meet Minister for Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan and outline the UK’s ambition to elevate the UK-Singapore relationship, reflecting the breadth and depth of shared interests. He will sign a MoU committing the UK and Singapore to work together on capacity and resilience building in the region.

He will meet Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and launch the new British Investment International (BII) Office, which will be at the core of the UK’s development finance institution’s Indo-Pacific expansion, recognising Singapore’s role as a global financial centre. BII’s plans to invest in green infrastructure will support climate resilience and a green economic transition in the region and bring us closer to Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines, Cambodia and Laos.

Srini Nagarajan, Managing Director and Head of Asia, British International Investment said:

Our new Singapore office is a momentous step in BII’s history, which will play a significant role in our Indo-Pacific expansion and bring us closer to our focus markets of the Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. We will invest in the renewables sector and partner with a network of investors to help these economies reduce emissions, protect the environment and adapt to the changing climate.

The Singapore visit will conclude his three-day visit to East Asia, during which the Foreign Secretary highlighted the UK’s deep interest in the Indo-Pacific region and took forward shared ambitions on trade and security.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 28 September 2022.

Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council meeting on the Middle East peace process.

Thank you President, and I thank Special Coordinator Wennesland for his helpful but sobering briefing.

Let me start by welcoming both Prime Minister Lapid and President Abbas’ support for a two-state solution, during their speeches to the General Assembly last week. The UK firmly believes that a two-state solution, based on 1967 lines, with Jerusalem as a shared capital and a just solution for refugees is the best way to deliver long-term peace.

The challenges facing a two-state solution however remain significant. We share deep concerns about the deteriorating security situation in the West Bank. And we urge all parties to reduce tensions and avoid de-stabilising unilateral actions.

We urge Israel not to proceed with demolitions at Masafer Yatta, which would cause unnecessary suffering, and are against international law in all but the most exceptional circumstances.

We unequivocally condemn the execution of five Gazans by Hamas this month. The UK opposes the death penalty in all circumstances.

In the West Bank, in 2022 more Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces since the UN started recording fatalities in 2005. The UK remains fully supportive of Israel’s right to self-defence, but where there are accusations of excessive use of force, we advocate swift, transparent investigations.

We are appalled too by terrorist attacks against Israeli citizens. Such attacks cannot be justified.

We appreciate Norway’s leadership in convening the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee this month. We welcome progress on economic measures, including the electronic payment of Palestinian workers in Israel, and work ensuring the continued success of E-Vat. However, bolder and faster action is needed to deliver real economic change in the OPTs. TThe UK is committed to supporting another meeting of the Joint Economic Committee as soon as possible.

We also thank Jordan and Sweden for hosting a Ministerial meeting in support of UNRWA. The UK is a long-standing financial and political supporter of UNRWA, and we welcome UNRWA’s continued support to Palestinian refugees across the region. We encourage further dialogue among partners to ensure delivery on UNRWA’s mandate.

In conclusion President,

Peace will only be achieved only through meaningful dialogue between the parties, which tackles the drivers of instability and violence in the immediate term. We encourage further and deeper engagement towards this goal.

Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 28 September 2022.

Commenting on Iranian attacks on the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, Minister of State for the Middle East, South Asia, UN and the Prime Minister’s Special Representative on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict, Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon, said:

Iran must cease its indiscriminate bombardment of Kurdish towns which has led to the loss of innocent lives and damaged civilian infrastructure. These attacks are a violation of Iraq’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and are wholly unacceptable. They demonstrate a repeated pattern of Iranian destabilising activity in the region.

We stand with the Kurdistan Regional Government in condemning these attacks and will continue to support the sovereignty and security of Iraq, including the Kurdistan Region.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 28 September 2022.

Joanna Hamer MBE (UK Ministry of Defence) highlights the importance of the Women, Peace and Security agenda at the OSCE, and outlines UK government actions.

I would like to thank Her Excellency Hadja Lahbib and the four panellists for their interventions. Hugely informative to the discussion today.

Mr Chair, as Colonel Romanova has so eloquently set out, the conflict in Ukraine has underlined the ongoing importance of today’s topic. We have already heard of the thousands of women serving in the Ukrainian Armed Forces to defend their homeland, of whom many are serving at or near the frontlines. Beyond service in the armed forces, in times of war, women are often the first responders, stepping up to organise and serve their communities. This is true in Ukraine, where women have been instrumental to the humanitarian, political, and security efforts in the defence of their country, including the collection of evidence to help bring the perpetrators of war crimes to account. The world has watched in horror as overwhelming evidence has emerged of heinous atrocities committed by the Russian Armed Forces against civilians, a large majority of them women. The UK has committed up to £2.5m this year to support Ukraine to deliver justice for these crimes, including sexual violence, through the Atrocity Crimes Advisory Group.

The UK is determined to ensure the full, equal and meaningful participation of women in our own Armed Forces. Women have served in the British Armed Forces for over a century. Since 2016, women have been able to serve in Ground Close Combat roles. And since 2018 they have been able to serve in any Armed Forces role, including that of the Special Forces. And as of last year, around sixteen thousand women are serving in the UK Regular Armed Forces – about 11% of the total strength. And of that 13.6% of women officers. Our Ministry of Defence has set a Level of Ambition to achieve a 30% inflow of women to the Armed Forces by 2030 – but this recognises that this must be combined with a greater focus on retention, inclusion and advancement into leadership positions. Following the report last year by the Defence Sub-Committee on Women in the Armed Forces, the Ministry of Defence has enacted new measures. I would just like to highlight three of these today:

Firstly, the Ministry published three new measures in July on preventing and addressing sexual exploitation. The Ministry has combined these with new trainings, transforming the Service Complaints Reform, setting up an independent Defence Service Crimes Unit and publishing statistics to improve transparency. Tackling all types of harassment, including sexual harassment, is important to creating an inclusive working environment.

Secondly, the Servicewomen’s Health Improvement Focus Team (SHIFT) was established to deliver key women’s health policies and initiatives. This ranges from procuring personal hygiene products, to starting a conversation through a series of blogs on women’s health – normalising discussion of women’s health topics. This conversation has supported the wellbeing of servicewomen, and helped others to better understand and support their colleagues.

Thirdly, all branches of the Armed Forces have made amendments to the uniform and clothing that address women’s sizing, body shape and body changes. This includes the development of the Narrow Scalable Tactical Vest (STV) and is part of UK efforts to ensure that our soldiers’ body armour is fit for purpose, improves comfort and represents the modern UK military, where men and women serve on equal terms.

Mr Chair, the UK is transparent about our national efforts and provides full information, including in our National Action Plan. The UK will launch its fifth National Action Plan later this year, in which will continue the important tradition of reporting to the UK Parliament. This transparency is also critical at the international level to hold us all to account. Our annual voluntary report on Women, Peace and Security under the OSCE’s Code of Conduct on Politico-Military Aspects of Security is an important method of sharing information and best practice on an issue where we can all learn from each other.

Mr. Chair, I wish to conclude by highlighting again the importance of the Women Peace and Security Agenda. As experience has taught us, the full, equal and meaningful participation of women leads to better outcomes during and after conflicts. The joint statement supported by 53 of the 57 participating States at the Ministerial Council last year shows the overwhelming support for doing so. And as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine reminds us daily – we have a clear moral and practical imperative to act.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 28 September 2022.

The Foreign Secretary’s visit will focus on boosting trade, increasing security and strengthening the ties of friendship between the UK and Korea. It is his first trip to Korea since his appointment as Foreign Secretary earlier this month.

Speaking from Seoul, Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said:

South Korea is a trusted friend in the region and important trading partner for the UK. We have a shared understanding of global threats and a commitment to work together to increase security and prosperity across the Indo-Pacific.

The bilateral framework sets our ambition to elevate our relationship to a new level on our shared values and mutual interests, benefiting both countries.

During his visit, the Foreign Secretary will meet President Yoon Suk-yeol, reaffirming the close ties of friendship between the UK and Korea. He is expected to express thanks on behalf of the British people for the recent attendance of the President and First Lady at the funeral of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

As part of the existing bilateral framework, Cleverly will engage in a Strategic Dialogue with Foreign Minister Park Jin, covering UK-Republic of Korea cooperation on global security and economic issues including Ukraine, Russia and China.

The Foreign Secretary will also tour the Joint Security Area of the Demilitarized Zone with Lt Gen Andy Harrison, Deputy Commander of UN Command in Korea.

After concluding his visit to Korea, the Foreign Secretary will travel to Singapore for the final leg of his trip.