Tag: Foreign Office

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 22 July 2025.

Anyone complicit in facilitating people smuggling to the UK will be at risk of having their assets frozen and being banned from travelling to Britain, under new powers announced by the Foreign Secretary today.

• anyone complicit in facilitating people smuggling to the UK could be sanctioned from tomorrow
• targets will have assets frozen, be shut off from the UK financial system and banned from travelling to the UK, under new regime targeting supply of money and material enabling irregular migration
• new sanctions are the latest tool in UK’s arsenal to secure Britain’s borders, reduce irregular migration and deliver on the Plan for Change

Anyone complicit in facilitating people smuggling to the UK will be at risk of having their assets frozen and being banned from travelling to Britain, under new powers announced by the Foreign Secretary today.

Tomorrow, the FCDO will impose the first wave of sanctions on gangs involved in people smuggling and driving irregular migration to the UK, as well as their enablers, such as financiers and companies involved in the sale of small boat equipment.

The plans are a key example of the FCDO using innovative foreign policy approaches to deliver on the Plan for Change for the British people. The regime will be the world’s first dedicated to targeting people smuggling and organised immigration crime, with the exploitation of vulnerable people by criminals and their associated networks being one of the key drivers of irregular migration to the UK.

Migrants who pay people-smugglers are also at a high risk of working in modern slavery conditions in the informal economy, being returned to their home country, or losing their lives at sea.

Sanctions can disrupt the flow of money and materials – including freezing property, bank accounts and other assets – which allow organised criminal gangs to facilitate irregular migration to the UK. Sanctions are designed to reach individuals located anywhere in the world, who will be publicly named so that it is illegal for the UK financial system to engage with them.

As part of the government’s Plan for Change and mission-led approach, the FCDO has been breaking down siloes by working closely with investigators at the National Crime Agency, Border Security Command, and other key partners to identify the most impactful targets, with the first sanctions planned for tomorrow.

The first targets will cover a range of wrongdoing, from the supply of small boats being used on cross-Channel journeys, to the trade in fake passports, as well as middlemen facilitating payments through Hawala networks, to the gang leaders themselves.

The regime will complement new powers for law enforcement being introduced in the Border, Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill, ensuring we have the widest toolkit available to smash the gangs. Sanctions can be used to target organised immigration crime gangs and their enablers, wherever they are, including where traditional law enforcement and criminal justice approaches cannot reach.

People smuggling and human trafficking are a challenge to global security, and the Government is working to strengthen our relationships with key partners, including the EU, to better secure the UK’s borders.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy, said:

For too long, criminal gangs have been lining their corrupt pockets and preying on the hopes of vulnerable people with impunity as they drive irregular migration to the UK. We will not accept this status quo.

It is our moral duty and a key part of our Plan for Change to do all we can to smash these gangs and secure Britain’s borders.

That’s why the UK has created the world’s first sanctions regime targeted at gangs involved in people smuggling and driving irregular migration, as well as their enablers. From tomorrow, those involved will face having their assets frozen, being shut off from the UK financial system and banned from travelling to the UK.

Today’s announcement reflects how the whole of government is working together on the single mission of securing Britain’s borders. The new regime complements work by the National Crime Agency and Border Security Command (BSC) to tackle organised immigration crime and tackle the causes of irregular migration to the UK in source and transit countries.

The BSC has seen a budget boost of £280 million per year by 2028 to fund new specialist investigators, new technology and cutting-edge surveillance equipment to disrupt and destroy criminal gangs.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said:

The new sanctions regime marks a decisive step in our fight against the criminal gangs who profit from human misery. It will allow us to target the assets and operations of people-smugglers wherever they operate, cutting off their funding and dismantling their networks piece by piece.

Through the Border Security Command and key partners like the National Crime Agency, we are strengthening our ties with other nations to tackle this global problem.

Together, we are sending a clear message that there is no hiding place for those who exploit vulnerable people and put lives at risk for profit.

Today’s announcement is part of the FCDO’s 3-pronged ‘disrupt, deter, return’ strategy to tackle irregular migration globally. In addition to disrupting organised immigration crime networks through sanctions, the FCDO works with source and transit countries to deter would-be migrants from making a dangerous journey in the first place, and works with the Home Office to negotiate the return of people who have no right to be here to their countries of origin, including criminals and failed asylum seekers.

Since the election, over 35,000 people have been returned, up 13% on the same period in the year before.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 21 July 2025.

Statement by Lord Collins of Highbury, Minister for Africa and the UN, at the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development.

As we mark the 80th anniversary of the United Nations, the United Kingdom is committed to working with you to achieve our shared goals for sustainable development.

With targets way off track, and five years to go, through the Pact for the Future, we have all committed to picking up the pace.

So, we must implement the shared vision we set out at the Financing for Development in Seville.

Harnessing the power of the private sector.

Raising revenue from domestic taxation and tackling illicit finance.

Making sure ODA plays a catalytic role.

With a roadmap to address unsustainable debt.

And the United Kingdom is championing innovative financing instruments, leveraging the City of London expertise.

This is part of how we renew confidence in multilateralism itself, but we also need a system that is more efficient, coherent and resilient.

That’s why, the UK is backing the Secretary General’s UN at 80 initiative, calling for the ambitious reform needed to build a development system fit for the future.

We are transforming the UK’s approach.

Prioritising climate and nature, health, humanitarian assistance, and making sure everyone feels the benefits, including women and girls.

Improving the systems every country needs to invest in public services that make a difference in people’s lives.

And protecting the health of people and economies from backing ambition on Non-Communicable Diseases, to pledging further support for the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation, and co-hosting the Global Fund replenishment alongside South Africa.

The last few months alone have seen success spanning Seville to the UN Ocean Conference.

So, be it the General Assembly, or COP30 in Brazil, let us make the most of opportunities to build on that, so we get back on track towards meeting the Sustainable Development Goals, in the months and years ahead.

Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 18 July 2025.

Joint statement following the sixth meeting of the Withdrawal Agreement Specialised Committee on issues related to the implementation of the Protocol relating to the Sovereign Base Areas of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in Cyprus.

The sixth meeting of the Specialised Committee on issues related to the implementation of the Protocol relating to the Sovereign Base Areas in Cyprus was held on 3 July 2025, co-chaired by officials from the European Commission and the UK Government.

The Committee was established by the Withdrawal Agreement to facilitate the implementation and application of the Protocol. The co-chairs reviewed the operational phase of the implementation of the Protocol since its last meeting in December 2023. This review showed that implementation is operating well in most areas.

Both sides reaffirmed their continued commitment to the smooth implementation of the Protocol and agreed to finalise further technical discussions with the objective of reaching a common understanding on the correct implementation of the Protocol in the area of taxation (Article 3 of the Protocol) and fisheries (Article 6 of the Protocol) as a matter of priority. The Specialised Committee will revert to this issue immediately afterwards.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 18 July 2025.

Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Colombia.

The UK remains committed to the implementation of the 2016 Agreement as the main vehicle for lasting peace in Colombia.

I’d like to start by welcoming the Colombian Government’s announcement of the Comprehensive Protection Programme in June as a measure to address increasing levels of violence across the country, including the assassination attempt on Senator Miguel Uribe on 7 June.

And I join others in hoping for his continued recovery.

Nine signatories were killed during the reporting period, bringing the total to 469 since the Agreement was signed.

These attacks, often deliberately targeting those who are committed to peace and societal change, underline the urgent need to implement the Comprehensive Protection Programme and for stronger protection measures.

President, as SRSG Massieu reminded us, transitional justice remains a critical component of the 2016 Agreement, as we also heard during our visit last year.

Colombians need to see restorative justice in action. So, we encourage the Jurisdiction to maintain the pace of sentencing and the government to ensure complementary actions advance in parallel.

We welcome the presence of the Special Jurisdiction for Peace in this chamber and its President, Alejandro Ramelli.

We understand that the Special Jurisdiction for Peace will shortly issue sentences under two Macro Cases.

This would represent a significant advance in the work of the Jurisdiction.

And this, as SRSG Massieu reminded us, is essential to maintain the trust of the victims, the signatories and the Colombian people.

Finally, President, as this government enters its final year in office, and with elections in view, we urge the government to prioritise implementation of the Agreement and to fund it adequately.

The Secretary General’s latest report shows that implementation of the 2016 Agreement remains uneven, with key challenges unaddressed across several chapters, despite progress in others.

We welcome the meeting in May of the Commission for the Follow-up, Promotion, and Verification of the Implementation, ‘the CSIVI’, where parties agreed an action plan for the remainder of the year.

We commend efforts to strengthen institutional coordination and support civil society.

Convening institutional structures of the Agreement is key to sustaining peace efforts, particularly as Colombia transitions into its electoral period.

President, the UK is and will remain a key partner on the path to sustainable peace in Colombia.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 18 July 2025.

During the visit, a United Kingdom-Paraguay Friendship Charter was signed between both nations.

Paraguayan President Santiago Peña visited the United Kingdom this week, marking a historic milestone in UK–Paraguay relations. The Paraguayan Head of State was received in audience by His Majesty King Charles III at Windsor Castle.

The visit comes as the two countries celebrate over 170 years of diplomatic ties and reflects a shared commitment to deepening cooperation in key areas such as trade, sustainable investment, education, and climate action.

Throughout the visit, President Peña engaged with high-level political, business and academic leaders. His agenda included a keynote address at Canning House, and a business roundtable with leading UK companies in the energy and technology sectors.

The Royal Audience with King Charles III, described by President Peña as a “historic moment,” underscored the mutual respect and shared values that continue to bind both nations. British Ambassador to Paraguay, Danielle Dunne, who accompanied the visit, stated: “It was an honour to witness this historic occasion. The UK and Paraguay are natural partners, and this visit demonstrates our shared commitment to sustainable and inclusive growth for our nations.”

During the visit, a United Kingdom-Paraguay Friendship Charter was signed between Paraguay’s Foreign Minister Rubén Ramírez Lezcano and British Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs David Lammy, committing both nations to enhanced cooperation across trade, security, democracy, climate action, and education.

This landmark visit marks a new chapter in UK–Paraguay relations. Trade between the two countries has grown significantly, with total goods and services exchange reaching £70 million in the last recorded period – a 42.9% increase from the previous year. President Peña’s visit reflects Paraguay’s growing strategic relevance as a reliable partner in Latin America, and the UK’s intention to strengthen diplomatic and commercial ties with nations committed to progress and shared prosperity.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 18 July 2025.

The 7th Round of the United Kingdom-Pakistan Dialogue on Arms Control, Non-Proliferation, and Disarmament was held in London on 16 July 2025.

Director of Defence and International Security at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), Stephen Lillie CMG, and Additional Foreign Secretary for Arms Control, Disarmament, and International Security (ACDIS) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Islamabad, Ambassador Tahir Andrabi, led the respective delegations.

The two sides engaged in comprehensive discussions on a wide array of issues, including international and regional security, strategic stability, arms control, disarmament, and non-proliferation. Deliberations also focused on the dynamics of the United Nations General Assembly (First Committee), the Conference on Disarmament (CD), international conventions (such as the BTWC, CWC, and CCW), multilateral export control regimes, and the use and implications of new and emerging technologies.

In addition, both sides exchanged views on UK-Pakistan bilateral cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear technology.

Since its inception in 2015, the Dialogue on Arms Control, Non-Proliferation, and Disarmament has remained a key component of the broader bilateral engagement between the two countries.

Both sides recognized the vital role of regular dialogue in fostering mutual understanding and promoting cooperation. In this context, they agreed to convene the next round of consultations in Islamabad next year.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 18 July 2025.

The UK has issued a statement in response to the announcement by Israel’s Civil Administration to reintroduce the E1 settlement plan in the occupied West Bank.

A Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) spokesperson said:

The UK strongly opposes the announcement by the central planning bureau of Israel’s Civil Administration to reintroduce the E1 settlement plan, frozen since 2021.

This plan would build over 3000 houses to the east of Jerusalem, dividing a future Palestinian state in two, and marking a flagrant breach of international law.

If implemented, the E1 settlement plan would critically undermine the two-state solution – the only route to a lasting peace for both Israelis and Palestinians.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 18 July 2025.

The UK has exposed Russian spies responsible for spreading chaos and disorder on Putin’s orders.

• UK exposes and sanctions three GRU units and 18 of their military intelligence officers, responsible for spreading chaos and disorder on Putin’s orders
• GRU units exposed for their involvement in the bombing of the Mariupol Theatre, the targeting of Yulia Skripal and cyber operations in support of Putin’s illegal war in Ukraine
• action by UK and allies comes amid global threat posed by Russian malign activity

Russian spies and hackers targeting the UK and others are today exposed and sanctioned in decisive action by the UK Government to deliver security for working people.

Today’s measures target three units of the Russian military intelligence agency (GRU) and 18 military intelligence officers who are responsible for conducting a sustained campaign of malicious cyber activity over many years, including in the UK.

The GRU routinely uses cyber and information operations to sow chaos, division and disorder in Ukraine and across the world with devastating real-world consequences.

In 2022, Unit 26165, sanctioned today, conducted online reconnaissance to help target missile strikes against Mariupol – including the strike that destroyed the Mariupol Theatre where hundreds of civilians, including children, were murdered.

Today’s action also hits GRU military intelligence officers responsible for historically targeting Yulia Skripal’s device with malicious malware known as X-Agent – five years before GRU military intelligence officers’ failed attempt to murder Yulia and Sergei Skripal with the deadly Novichok nerve agent in Salisbury.

In the UK, Russia has targeted media outlets, telecoms providers, political and democratic institutions, and energy infrastructure. The United Kingdom and our international allies are watching Russia and are countering their attacks both publicly and behind the scenes.

Foreign Secretary, David Lammy said:

GRU spies are running a campaign to destabilise Europe, undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty and threaten the safety of British citizens.

The Kremlin should be in no doubt: we see what they are trying to do in the shadows and we won’t tolerate it. That’s why we’re taking decisive action with sanctions against Russian spies. Protecting the UK from harm is fundamental to this government’s Plan for Change.

Putin’s hybrid threats and aggression will never break our resolve. The UK and our Allies support for Ukraine and Europe’s security is ironclad.

The UK government is committed to accelerating its efforts to counter hybrid threats at home, protecting the UK’s national security – a key foundation of the Plan for Change – and abroad, working in collaboration with a growing international coalition including all 32 NATO Allies, the EU and its member states, and our partners in the FBI.

That is why the UK has announced the biggest sustained increase in defence spending – rising to 2.6% of GDP from 2027 – since the Cold War, and as highlighted in the National Security Review, the UK is stepping up our focus on tackling hybrid and technology enabled threats. The new UK-EU Security and Defence Partnership will support this, enabling closer cooperation across a wide range of areas.

The Kremlin has also used cyber operations in support of Putin’s illegal war – including targeting critical infrastructure like Viasat satellite communications. Some of these attacks were conducted on the eve of the full-scale invasion in 2022 with the express purpose of degrading Ukraine’s ability to defend itself.

Russia’s insidious activity stretches far beyond Europe. In addition to the GRU Units and officers, the UK is also sanctioning three leaders of “African Initiative”, a social media content mill established and funded by Russia and employing Russian intelligence officers to conduct information operations in West Africa. This includes reckless attempts to undermine lifesaving global health initiatives in the region by pushing baseless conspiracy theories to further the Kremlin’s political agenda.

Background

The Foreign Secretary laid out how the UK is stepping up our approach to combatting Russian hybrid threats in his Mansion House speech. Read more here.

See this factsheet for further information: GRU Cyber and Hybrid Threat Operations

North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) NAC statement: Statement of Condemnation by the North Atlantic Council (NAC) concerning Russian Malicious Cyber Activities

EU HR / VP Statement on behalf of the European Union Member States: Hybrid threat / Russia: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the EU condemning Russia’s persistent hybrid campaigns against the EU, its Member States and partners

Hybrid Threats activity refers to overt or covert actions by foreign governments which fall short of direct armed conflict with the UK but cause harm or threaten the safety or interests of the UK or our allies.

Examples of this include:

• Cyber attacks (e.g. hacking government systems or stealing trade secrets)
• Disinformation (e.g. spreading false or misleading information online)
• Sabotage (e.g. damaging infrastructure or supply chains)
• Political interference (e.g. influencing elections or public opinion)
• More information on the Salisbury Poisonings and the Dawn Sturgess Inquiry can be found here: The Dawn Sturgess Inquiry – Inquiry into 2018 Salisbury poisonings

Below is a full list of those sanctioned today:

• Aleksandr Vladimirovich OSADCHUK
• Yevgeniy Mikhaylovich SEREBRIAKOV
• Anatoliy Sergeyvich KOVALEV
• Artem Valeryvich OCHICHENKO
• The 161st Specialist Training Centre (TsPS) (Unit 29155) of the GRU
• Vladislav Yevgenyevich BOROVKOV
• Nikolay Aleksandrovich KORCHAGIN
• Yuriy Federovich DENISOV
• Vitaly Aleksandrovich SHEVCHENKO
• Ivan Sergeyevich YERMAKOV
• Aleksey Viktorovich LUKASHEV
• Sergey Sergeyevich VASYUK
• Andrey Eduardovich BARANOV
• Aleksey Sergeyevich MORENETS
• Sergey Aleksandrovich MORGACHEV
• Artem Adreyevich MALYSHEV
• Yuriy Leonidovich SHIKOLENKO
• Victor Borisovich NETYKSHO
• Dmitriy Aleksandrovich MIKHAYLOV
• African Initiative
• Artyom Sergeevich KUREYEV
• Anna Sergeevna ZAMARAEVA
• Victor Aleksandrovich LUKOVENKO

In addition, we have brought new evidence to light on the following existing designations:

• The Main Centre for Special Technologies (GTsST) (Unit 74455) of the Russian GRU
• The 85th Main Special Services Centre (GTsSS) (Unit 26165) of the Russian GRU

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 18 July 2025.

Exercise Haraka Serpent provided over 3,000 residents with preventive, diagnostic, and curative medical services, along with healthcare education.

• • • The medical outreach provided vital medical services to communities living in Lokusero, Musul, Nosorai, Laresoro, Sereolipi, Archer’s Post, Suguroi, Mathira and Kanduturai who have limited access to medical diagnosis and treatment.
    • The team offered a range of healthcare services such as nutrition screening, maternal health services, ENT check-ups, family planning services, health education sessions, and voluntary counselling and testing for HIV and AIDS, cervical screening and children’s immunisations.

Friday 18 July 2025: British Army medical troops provided free medical services to over 3000 residents of Laikipia and Samburu Counties in the month of July 2025 in partnership with the Kenyan Defence Forces, Samburu County Government, and Beyond Zero.

Exercise Haraka Serpent delivered a comprehensive range of preventive, diagnostic, and curative medical services, along with healthcare education, across nine locations—three in Laikipia North, three in Laikipia West, and three in Samburu County.

Additionally, 202 MMR conducted a Defence Engagement with the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) at Kahawa Garrison in Nairobi. During this engagement, 202 MMR clinicians provided specialised training focused on austere pre-hospital treatment, fostering a valuable exchange of experiences and best practices with KDF troops.

Speaking at the end of Exercise Haraka Serpent, Robert Mathews, from 202 Multi Role Medical Regiment, said:

This has been an extremely challenging yet worthwhile exercise for our deployed medics. To come to Kenya and assist our host nation medical staff and the medical staff from the Kenyan Defence Forces in providing outreach health care to remote parts of Samburu and Laikipia Counties has been extremely rewarding.

We have worked closely with Kenyan led teams and together we have treated over 3000 people, this has also been a great learning experience for my medics for the vast majority of whom this is their first time in Kenya.

Kenya Defence Forces Nursing Officer, Lt. Brian Kiplimo, said:

We had three objectives for the exercise: offering healthcare to the marginalised communities who are not able to easily access healthcare facilities, learning, and enhancing our co-operation with BATUK.  The learning objective saw 45 KDF personnel trained on medical readiness during operations especially of casualty care. Through the exercise, we have been able to share experiences and knowledge with BATUK which is vital for future cooperation.

British High Commissioner to Kenya Neil Wigan, said:

This is a powerful demonstration of our mutual partnership between Kenya and the UK.  Through this medical outreach, we’ve seen the very best of what our partnership can achieve – bringing vital healthcare to remote communities, sharing knowledge between our armed forces, and strengthening the bonds between our people. Kenya remains a vital strategic partner to the UK. We have a shared history—and more importantly, we have a shared future. We’re going far, together.

The medical outreach provided vital medical services to communities living in Lokusero, Musul, Nosorai, Laresoro, Sereolipi, Archer’s Post, Suguroi, Mathira and Kanduturai who have limited access to medical diagnosis and treatment. The team offered a range of healthcare services such as nutrition screening, maternal health services, ENT check-ups, family planning services, health education sessions, and voluntary counselling and testing for HIV and AIDS, cervical screening and children’s immunisations.  Among those who turned up for the free medical care, many locals presented with respiratory tract conditions and received appropriate medication.

Notes for editors:

• • 202 MMR is specially trained and equipped to provide an integrated healthcare system within a single unit by integrating Deployed Primary Healthcare, Pre-Hospital Emergency Care, Medical Evacuation and Deployed Hospital Care capabilities. MMRs provide improved tactical flexibility, agility, clinical continuity and credibility throughout the Operational Patient Care Pathway (OPCP); by combining traditional Field Hospital General Service Medical Regiment roles into a new type of medical unit, MMRs integrate medical capability at the lowest level.
  • Under an agreement with the Kenyan Government, up to six infantry battlegroups per year, including Haraka Serpent, carry out up to eight-week exercises in Kenya, in preparation to deploy on operations or assume high-readiness tasks.
  • British Army Training Unit Kenya is a permanent training support unit based in Nanyuki. BATUK runs a wide range of training events and exercises for British and Kenyan troops including infantry, artillery, logistics, engineering, and medical specialists.  Every exercise includes the completion of projects to support the local communities amongst which BATUK live and work.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 17 July 2025.

Deputy Ambassador James Ford thanks Director of OSCE’s Conflict Prevention Centre for the institution’s work across the region, which remains crucial in the face of Russia’s malign activities.

Thank you, Mr Chair.  And thank you, Director for this report and presentation.  You hold a crucial and busy role in what you accurately described as a volatile and unpredictable security environment.  Also, for several weeks in this period, you executed these responsibilities while also ably deputising as Officer-in-Charge.  We are grateful to you and the many colleagues who have supported you.

The operating environment for the Conflict Prevention Centre (CPC) is more challenging today than it has been at any point since it was created in 1990.  Russia’s war in Ukraine and its malign activities across the Euro-Atlantic area continue to be the primary challenges.

Through the CPC and its tools, over many years, the OSCE sought to reduce tensions and contribute to a lasting peace in Ukraine.  Regrettably, Russia consistently undermined and stymied this work before launching its full-scale invasion in 2022.

It is essential that the OSCE supports Ukraine to deal with the consequences of Russia’s illegal war and to build its democratic and societal resilience.  We are grateful, therefore, to the CPC’s role in coordinating the Support Programme for Ukraine.

Mr Chair, the Russian Federation has a long track record of establishing frozen conflicts on its periphery which it uses as tools to manipulate and control.  Georgia has been under hybrid attack from Russia since the 2008 war which saw 20% of Georgian territory effectively annexed. We reaffirm our full support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. In Moldova, the UK is strengthening its commitment to defend democratic institutions from increasing levels of malign interference from Moscow.

We call on Russia to respect the territorial integrity of Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova, and rebuild the trust that underpins the OSCE and our common security.

More positively, we congratulate Armenia and Azerbaijan on the progress made towards a peace agreement and the normalisation of relations, including the meeting between both leaders held on 10 July in Abu Dhabi.  It is important that both parties maintain and build upon this dialogue. Finalisation of this peace treaty is the best route to delivering security and stability in the South Caucasus, and we urge both parties to seize this historic opportunity.

Mr Chair, we welcome the technological advancements described in the Director’s report and the suggestion that the CPC explores the use of emerging technology to enhance its capabilities.  The CPC has pioneered the use of technology to support confidence-building measures, transparency and peace agreements.  It is right that the OSCE should continue to be at the forefront of these innovations and to be ready for the day when they are needed.

However, the CPC needs to be adequately resourced if it is to do this work and fulfil its mandate.  The assessment in Ms Fearon’s report on how the chronic lack of financial sustainability is negatively impacting the work of the CPC is sobering and concerning. The lack of agreement on a Unified Budget continues to severely constrain all parts of the organisation in delivering their mandates. And we again urge all participating States to engage constructively with budget proposals and ensure the organisation is resourced to carry out its work effectively in line with the OSCE principles we have all signed up to.

Director, your report is a reminder of the value and necessity of the OSCE’s unique conflict cycle toolbox.  I would like to thank you, your staff, and the field presences for your ongoing support to participating States facing conflict situations. Thank you.