Tag: Foreign Office

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 12 September 2024.

Ambassador Holland addresses the Opening Session of the 2024 EEF, saying sustainable development and climate adaptation are two casualties of Russia’s war.

Madam Chair,

Unlike last year, we meet today in Prague under the official auspices of the OSCE. It is important that the full range of mandated meetings across the OSCE’s comprehensive concept of security, are allowed to take place.

Last year Russia chose to block the consensus needed to hold this event. Though we welcome our being able to convene like this, some things have not changed. Russia continues its illegal invasion of Ukrainian sovereign territory and Russian troops continue to occupy Ukrainian land.

Sustainable development and climate adaptation – the topics of this year’s forum – are just two casualties of Russia’s war. The effects of Russia’s war have stretched across the global economy. This has cost Ukraine in particular – to the tune of almost half a trillion dollars – but has also cost the aggressor billions of dollars and the rest of the world considerable hardship through disruption to supply chains, inflation and general increases to the cost of living.

As this group well knows, it is not just economic development that has been affected. Last year’s Chatham House report said the war risks putting climate action on the backburner and complicates the multilateral action needed to avert dangerous climate change and to adapt to its impacts.

Russia must be held to account for its actions. The UK is proud to have been able to support the OSCE’s project on assessing the environmental damage of Russia’s war in Ukraine. We encourage all delegates to attend the side event later today on that research.

Madam Chair, at home, the new UK Government unveiled a new 1.5 billion pound budget to help build new green infrastructure as part of the mission to deliver clean power by 2030. The UK will aid economic development by joining the Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty’s Board of Champions, contributing our global network of development organisations. And the UK’s new Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act will establish new, faster, more effective tools to address the unique barriers to competition in digital markets.

I would like to thank the Maltese Chairpersonship and the Office of the Co-ordinator of Economic and Environment activities for organising this event, and our Czech colleagues for hosting us. My team and I look forward to the discussions to come.

Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 12 September 2024.

British Army troops training in Kenya provided free medical services to over 17,000 residents of Isiolo and Laikipia Counties in partnership with the Kenya Defence Forces, local hospitals, and NGOs.

Over 17,000 residents of Isiolo and Laikipia counties received free medical care from the British Army’s Medical Regiment, in partnership with medics from the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), Isiolo County Referral Hospital, Beyond Zero and the LEO Project, during this year’s annual medical outreach by British Army Training Unit in Kenya (BATUK).

Among the 17,494 people that turned up for the free medical clinics; over 5,000 required treatments of those treated 614 were children under 5.

The five-week joint exercise, dubbed Exercise HARAKA SERPENT, involved the delivery of health clinics and health education in 11 remote locations. The British and KDF soldiers worked alongside both hospitals and non-governmental organisations to set up the clinics in places where residents normally struggle to access treatment.

Speaking at the end of the exercise Col Edd Gordon MStJ, Commanding Officer 215 (Sc) MMR, said:

It was great to see our team work together with our Kenyan partners, both civilian and military. Delivering healthcare to such a diverse range of patients is of enormous benefit to our soldiers and it’s great to also give something back to the local community.

British High Commission Defence Advisor, Brigadier Olly Bryant, said:

Our militaries train and operate together not only to fight terrorism but also to share expertise, experience and techniques, making both of our armies more effective. The joint medical exercise offers an opportunity for medical regiments within the military to do give back to communities living in and around BATUK training areas.

The medical outreach activities provided vital medical services to communities living in and around Kinna, Isiolo town, and Nanyuki who would otherwise not be able to access medical diagnosis and treatment. The team offered preventive, diagnostic, and curative healthcare interventions such as monitoring nutrition problems, supporting communities with health checks, dental treatment, ophthalmology, and health education sessions.

As well as their outreach activities the British Army and KDF shared their experiences and practices from their varied medical training, field exercises and operational deployments. The British and Kenyan teams compared their drills and techniques as well as reviewing the range of medical equipment each carried.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 11 September 2024.

France, Germany and the UK (E3) gave a joint statement to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors on Iran’s implementation of its nuclear commitments under the JCPoA.

Chair,

On behalf of France, Germany and the United Kingdom, I thank Director General Grossi for his latest report on Iran’s nuclear programme.

The E3 are very grateful to the Agency for the professional, independent and impartial work of their team of inspectors and for their objective reporting on Iran’s nuclear programme. We encourage the Director General to keep the Board informed of all relevant activities and developments.

Once again, the IAEA reports the continued expansion of Iran’s nuclear activities, in increasing violation of its JCPoA commitments. The Agency recalls once again that it is not able to ensure Iran’s nuclear programme is exclusively peaceful, and highlights that Iran is the only state without nuclear weapons to undertake production and accumulation of high enriched uranium.

Chair,

In the reporting period, Iran has continued to enrich uranium far beyond its JCPoA commitments :

• It has been blatantly violating all JCPoA limits on both enrichment and accumulation of enriched uranium. Its stockpile of high enriched uranium up to 60 % has continued to grow significantly, without any credible civilian justification;
• Iran now has almost four IAEA significant quantities of high enriched uranium, which the IAEA defines as the approximate amount of nuclear material from which the possibility of manufacturing a nuclear explosive device cannot be excluded;
• Over the last three months, Iran has also substantially expanded its overall production capacity by installing and operating new advanced centrifuges;
• For the first time in years, the DG also reported that Iran undertook some construction work at the Khondab Heavy Water Research Center, without communicating all the needed information to the Agency.

We also recall previous IAEA reports of Iran’s uranium metal-related work. The production of Uranium metal is a key step in the development of a nuclear weapon and we urge Iran not to undertake this work again.

Chair,

Iran continues obstructing the IAEA, which has detrimental implications for the Agency’s ability to provide assurance of the exclusively peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear programme :

• For more than three and a half years, Iran has seriously hindered effective JCPoA verification and monitoring;
• As a result of this lack of transparency, the Agency has lost continuity of knowledge in relation to the production and inventory of centrifuges, rotors and bellows, heavy water and uranium ore concentrate;
• Iran refuses to reverse its decision to withdraw the designation of several experienced Agency inspectors. We condemn this decision, which seriously affects the Agency’s ability to conduct its verification in Iran, particularly at the enrichment facilities;
• The DG also notes that it has been more than three years since Iran stopped applying its Additional Protocol.

Chair,

We would like to remind this Board of the statements made in Iran about its technical capability to produce nuclear weapons and the possibility of changing its so-called nuclear doctrine.

We again call on Iran to urgently:

• Halt and reverse its nuclear escalation and refrain from making threats to produce nuclear weapons;
• Return to the limits imposed by the JCPoA, in particular those regarding enrichment;
• Implement the March 2023 Joint statement and the commitments it made regarding transparency and cooperation with the IAEA including re-applying all transparency measures that it stopped in February 2021;
• Allow the Agency to install surveillance and monitoring equipment where requested;
• Re-implement and swiftly ratify its Additional Protocol; and
• Reverse its September 2023 decision to withdraw the designations of experienced inspectors.

Chair,

Iran’s escalating nuclear activities significantly harm international security and undermine the global non-proliferation architecture. We will continue consultations, alongside international partners, on how best to address collective doubts of the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear programme. In 2022, Iran twice refused a negotiated outcome and instead chose to escalate and expand its nuclear programme to alarming levels. We remain committed to a diplomatic solution and stand ready to use all diplomatic levers available to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons.

Finally, we ask the Director General to keep the Board of Governors informed on the status of Iran’s nuclear programme. We ask for the report to be made public.

Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 11 September 2024.

UK Statement for Item 2 General Debate. Delivered at the 57th Human Rights Council in Geneva.

Thank you, Mr President.

The continued growth in this Council’s agenda reflects more, not less, human rights violations and abuses throughout the world.

Russia continues to disregard the UN Charter through its illegal invasion of Ukraine. As the Commission of Inquiry concluded, many Russian atrocities amount to war crimes. Those responsible must be held accountable.

The UK condemns, and demands full investigation of, all alleged violations and abuses committed in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories including sexual violence. We are shocked at ongoing deaths, including the killing of six hostages by Hamas. The ongoing suffering of Palestinians in Gaza is appalling. We call for an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages and rapid humanitarian aid into Gaza.

High Commissioner,

We welcome your engagement with Venezuela. Elections cannot be credible without the National Electoral Council publishing full results. The Venezuelan people have the right to protest and decide their future. We urge dialogue and an end to repression.

And finally, China continues to persecute and arbitrarily detain Uyghurs and Tibetans, restrict civil society and independent media, and target human rights defenders and lawyers. Two years after the Office of the High Commissioner’s Assessment on Xinjiang, it is time for China to implement its recommendations and engage meaningfully with the Office.

Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 11 September 2024.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has today summoned the Iranian Chargé d’Affaires in London in response to Iran’s transfer of Ballistic Missiles to Russia.

An FCDO spokesperson said:

Today, in coordination with European partners and upon instruction from the Foreign Secretary, the Chargé d’Affaires of the Iranian Embassy in London was summoned to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. Mr. Ali Matinfar was summoned over Iran’s transfer of ballistic missiles to Russia for use in Ukraine.

The UK Government was clear that any transfer of Ballistic Missiles to Russia would be seen as a dangerous escalation and would face a significant response.

The summons follows yesterday’s announcement where the UK, alongside international partners, outlined significant new measures against Iran and Russia, including cancelling our bilateral Air Services Arrangement with Iran. The United Kingdom has also sanctioned a number of key individuals and organisations for their involvement in Iran’s military support to Russia, including those involved in weapons supply chains that enable Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 11 September 2024.

Politico-Military Counsellor, Ankur Narayan, thanks Denmark as the incoming Chair for upholding the Forum’s mandate of holding a weekly politico-military dialogue, including on risk reduction.

Thank you, Mr Chair, and to the Foreign Minister for setting out Denmark’s priorities for the Forum for Security Co-operation (FSC) this Trimester. You can count on the UK’s full support, as you execute the mandate of this Forum at this important time for European Security.

As we return from the Summer break, the Ukrainian people have had no respite. Today marks 930 days of their ongoing defence of their homeland, from an invasion which continues to violate the UN Charter and to contravene the Helsinki Final Act’s core principles. Principles including those on sovereignty, territorial integrity and the non-use of force.

That is why each week, we have met in the Forum to support Ukraine and to hold Russia accountable. And that is why we welcome Denmark’s proposed FSC agenda topics, on the Code of Conduct, the Helsinki Decalogue and on Women, Peace & Security. These issues remain pertinent for our Euro-Atlantic region.

Mr Chair, the UK continues to support the Forum. Our Ministers mandated the Forum to hold a weekly politico-military dialogue, with tasks that include risk-reduction. They mandated the Chair to ‘ensure the good order and smooth running of meetings’. To set the agenda. And to select and invite guest speakers. We support the Chair’s prerogative to execute these tasks.

Unfortunately, at the closing session last Trimester, we had to condemn the Russian delegation – for a third Trimester in a row – for its attempts to undermine FSC meetings.  Russia did not join consensus not only the formal FSC Security Dialogues, but also the standard weekly FSC sessions. Russia demanded exceptional treatment, without any basis in the Rules of Procedure and without articulating any issues with the mandated Agenda.

As we said last time, there remains another path. Russia claims that it wants peace.  Peace is in its gift – by withdrawing all of its forces to outside of Ukraine’s internationally recognised borders. Russia claims that it is serious about dialogue and risk reduction. If that is true, it must re-engage seriously and professionally with an FSC that meets, as mandated by our Ministers, each week.

I wish to conclude by welcoming Spain to the FSC Troika, and to thank Cyprus for their work as they leave the Troika. And most importantly, I wish you, Mr Chair, and your able teams here in Vienna and in Copenhagen the best of luck this Trimester. You can count on the continued full support of the UK delegation.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 11 September 2024.

UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue on the report of the High Commissioner on Nicaragua.

Thank you, Mr President.

The attack on human rights in Nicaragua is relentless. The closure of over 5,000 NGOs since 2018, including 1,820 NGOs in August 2024 alone, is a clear indicator of this repression.

The arbitrary detention of political leaders and members of the church are of great concern. We welcome the release last week of dozens of political prisoners but are alarmed by their exile from Nicaragua. We call for an end to arbitrary arrests and the restitution of all the civic rights of political prisoners. The policy of exiling and removing the citizenship of individuals is unacceptable.

The growing climate of repression, intimidation, and harassment is also affecting Nicaraguans in exile and we urge the Nicaraguan authorities to immediately cease these practices.

High Commissioner,

We would welcome your views on what more can be done to prevent further arbitrary arrests and how we can preserve civic space in Nicaragua?

Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 11 September 2024.

The UK has sanctioned 10 vessels in Russia’s ‘shadow fleet’, a group of ships that use illicit practices to avoid sanctions on Russian oil.

• UK sanctions 10 vessels in Russia’s ‘shadow fleet’, a group of ships that use illicit practices to avoid sanctions on Russian oil
• new sanctions further crack down on Russian oil revenues, Putin’s most critical source of funding for his illegal war in Ukraine
• today marks the third time the UK has used its bespoke powers to sanction individual vessels, targeting those who undermine sanctions and facilitate Russia’s oil trade

The UK has today (11 September) sanctioned 10 vessels operating as part of Putin’s ‘shadow fleet’, in the latest crack down on critical revenue sources funding Putin’s war machine.

Today’s action will directly target vessels in Putin’s ‘shadow fleet’, used by Russia as a desperate attempt to undermine UK and G7 sanctions and continue unfettered trade in Russian oil.

Russia’s oil exports are Putin’s most critical revenue source for funding his illegal war in Ukraine, accounting for roughly a quarter of the Russian budget in 2023. Today we are taking decisive action to limit that revenue.

The ships targeted are all ‘high-volume offenders’ – vessels operating around the clock to transport as much Russian oil as possible. These ships will now be barred from entering UK ports and will be refused access to the UK Ship Register.

Just 3 of the vessels targeted today; NICOLAY ZUYEV (IMO 9610781), NS ASIA (IMO 9413561) and ZALIV ANIVA (IMO 9418494), have collectively carried more than $5 billion worth of Russian oil since Russia’s full-scale illegal invasion begun.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy said:

Putin’s war machine is funded by a dark and illicit economic system that this government is committed to destabilising.

Today’s sanctions further undermine Russia’s ability to trade in oil via its shadow fleet. Alongside our partners, we will continue to send a stark message to Russia that the international community stands with Ukraine and we will not tolerate this illicit fleet.

Russia has been forced to spend over $8 billion amassing this shadow fleet. But with sanctioned tankers loitering and unable to load oil, we are determined to make Putin’s investment an expensive misstep for the Kremlin. Our action will help to counter Russian attempts to undermine and dodge economic sanctions.

Previous UK action against individual shadow ships have left vessels materially disrupted, with the vast majority of them idling outside ports, and unable to carry on their trade in Russian oil.

Today’s announcement brings the total number of ‘shadow fleet’ ships specified to 25 and follows the UK’s ‘call to action’ in July which aims to bring a halt to this dangerous trade.

The vessels sanctioned today are:

• NIKOLAY ZUYEV (IMO 9610781)
• NS CLIPPER (IMO 9341081)
• NS CORONA (IMO 9341079)
• ZALIV ANIVA (IMO 9418494)
• OLYMPIYSKY PROSPECT (IMO 9511387)
• LEONID LOZA (IMO 9412347)
• NS ASIA (IMO 9413561)
• SCF BALTICA (IMO 9305568)
• VLADIMIR TIKHONOV (IMO 9311622)
• SCF VANKOR (IMO 9316127)

Background

• so far, sanctions have deprived Russia of over $400 billion worth of assets and revenues since February 2022. That’s equivalent to 4 more years of funding for the invasion. The UK has sanctioned over 2,000 individuals and entities under our Russia sanctions regime
• ships specified under the Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 are prohibited from entering a port in the UK, may be given a movement or a port entry direction, can be detained, and will be refused permission to register on the UK Ship Register or have its existing registration terminated. In addition, the Oil Price Cap exception is not applicable to services in relation to specified ships, or to the supply or delivery of Russian oil or oil products in specified ships
• The Office for Financial Sanctions Implementation has published guidance on the Russian Oil Services ban. Limited exceptions apply and licences may be granted for specified ships, as set out in Part 7 of the Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 11 September 2024.

UK explanation of vote delivered by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, following the UN Security Council vote to renew the 1591 sanctions regime on Sudan.

President,

We welcome the adoption of this resolution renewing the 1591 sanctions regime, and we thank the U.S. for leading us in these negotiations.

Let me make two points.

First, the Sudanese people have suffered from this man-made conflict for over eighteen months. Last week the UN Fact-Finding Mission reported systematic human rights abuses are being carried out by both the RSF and SAF on Sudanese civilians on a daily basis, including sexual and gender-based violence, torture, mass civilian casualties and displacement, and the destruction of critical civilian infrastructure.

With both sides continuing to believe that the solution to this conflict will be on the battleground, we urgently call on States to refrain from enhancing either side’s fighting capability. Instead, those who have influence with the parties must use it to bring them to the negotiating table.

We also recall the importance of today’s renewal of the arms embargo on Darfur.

Second, President, we welcome today’s reaffirmation of the importance of the warring parties ensuring the protection of civilians. International humanitarian law is the cornerstone of our efforts to protect civilians during armed conflicts, and its principles must be rigorously upheld and enforced in Sudan.

The UK will continue to press all parties on this matter.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 11 September 2024.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy is visiting Kyiv today, with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, to demonstrate Western support for Ukraine’s fight against Russian aggression.

• Foreign Secretary David Lammy is visiting Kyiv today [11 September], with US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, to demonstrate Western support for Ukraine’s fight against Russian aggression
• together, they are 2 of the first to meet with new ministers
• the UK announces at least £242 million of funding to support Ukraine in the face of relentless Russian attacks, and the deployment of $484 million of fiscal support and military equipment deliveries

Foreign Secretary David Lammy and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will reiterate united UK and US support for Ukraine in a joint visit to Kyiv today. This is the first ever joint visit by a UK Foreign Secretary and a US Secretary of State, highlighting the UK and US’s unshakeable resolve to support Ukraine.

The pair were seeing first-hand the enduring resilience of Ukraine’s defence of its borders and independence and were due to meet with President Zelenskyy, and Foreign Minister Sybiha, becoming the first foreign ministers to meet with their new counterpart.

In his first visit as Foreign Secretary, Mr Lammy will announce at least £600 million worth of support to Ukraine against Putin’s illegal invasion. The Prime Minister Keir Starmer committed to £3 billion a year of military support for Ukraine for as long as needed earlier this year.

This confirms the £242 million announced for 2024 to 2025 for immediate humanitarian, energy and stabilisation needs as well as support to reforms, recovery and reconstruction. As Russian missile and drone attacks continue to kill civilians and destroy vital infrastructure, the commitment will ensure support to the most vulnerable in Ukraine, as well as support for longer-term economic, reconstruction and energy needs.

The Foreign Secretary also announced the intention to deploy $484 million worth of loan guarantees for World Bank lending before the end of the year, to bolster Ukraine’s economic stability. It will support vital public services, including keeping schools and hospitals open, paying civil servants, and funding pensions. The loan guarantee, delivered by the World Bank, is the second deployment of the $3 billion package the UK committed at the Ukraine Recovery Conference in London last year.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy said:

The UK’s support to Ukraine is unwavering. Our commitment of over £600 million worth of support is the latest installment in our enduring support to Ukraine. This will provide vital support to Ukrainians as they continue to endure relentless Russian attacks.

It is a privilege to be one of the first to meet my new counterparts. The bravery and resilience of the Ukrainian people is inspiring. Alongside the United States, we are committed to giving Ukraine what it needs to resist Russia’s illegal invasion. Their fight for freedom, liberty and democracy is also a fight for British security, European security, and global security. With the US, we stand firmly with Ukraine for as long as it takes.

This year’s bilateral funding includes £100 million of humanitarian funding which will support the most vulnerable Ukrainians, including those living in communities at the frontline of relentless Russian attacks and those displaced to neighbouring countries and communities. This includes helps to evacuate, emergency responses to Russian missile attacks across Ukraine, and life-saving help for displaced persons.

A further £20 million will double this year’s support to essential repairs and protection to the power network, restore access to vital power supplies and strengthen Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. Ongoing UK support has funded rooftop solar panels to power hospitals, back-up generators to keep the lights on, and power generation equipment in Kharkiv and Odesa. As Ukrainians continue to live through black-outs, and vital services are left without power, UK support to bolster Ukraine’s energy system will Ukraine keep the lights on.

£40 million will fund stabilisation and early recovery, to ensure Ukraine not only wins the war, but can make a head-start on winning the peace. This funding includes vital assistance to Ukraine to resist Russian aggression, support to stabilise newly liberated territories, and funding to support work to hold those responsible to account for war crimes committed in Ukraine.

Whilst in Kyiv the Foreign Secretary was due to attend the International Crimea Platform’s annual summit to demonstrate international unity in condemning Putin’s illegal annexation of Crimea 10 years ago. The UK and international partners are united in efforts to restore Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The Foreign Secretary will also announce the first investment into Ukraine by British International Investment (BII), the UK’s development finance institute under the G7 initiated Ukraine Investment Platform. This £30 million of support to the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD)’s Trade Facilitation Programme will support trade flows of critical goods, including food, in Ukraine. This is the first allocation of funding of the £250 million of capital to BII that the UK announced at the Ukraine Recovery Conference in London last year.

The Defence Secretary has also today confirmed, as part of the Government’s commitment to ramp up and speed up deliveries of military support for Ukraine, that support announced in April – including air defence missiles, equipment for F16 fighter jets, AS90 self-propelled guns and spare barrels, military boats, and maritime guns – have now been delivered.

On top of this, the Defence Secretary has today also announced that hundreds of additional air defence missiles, tens of thousands of additional artillery ammunition rounds, and more armoured vehicles will be delivered to Ukraine by the end of the year.

Defence Secretary John Healey MP said:

This government’s support for Ukraine is ironclad. On our second day in office I promised President Zelenskyy we would speed up UK deliveries of military aid – and we are delivering on that commitment.

Russia’s indiscriminate attacks on Ukraine’s people and infrastructure, often far behind the front line, highlights the urgent need to continue stepping up our support to Ukraine. So I am pleased to confirm additional aid will reach Ukraine by the end of this year.

Meeting with my Ukrainian counterpart in London last week and with 50 nations at the Ukraine Defence Contact Group in Germany, I made clear that UK support will continue for as long as it takes. We stand united in the face of Putin’s illegal war. The defence of the UK and Europe starts in Ukraine.

John Healey made the commitment to speed up deliveries on his second day as Defence Secretary when he visited Odesa and spent the afternoon with President Zelenskyy.

Background

• since February 2022, the UK has provided £695 million on bilateral non-military support, alongside $2.5 billion in fiscal support (loan guarantees), which will rise to $5 billion by 2027