Tag: Foreign Office

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 3 October 2024.

Government set to help hundreds of British nationals leave Lebanon in the coming days, as they are urged to get the first flight available.

• comes after more than 150 British nationals and dependents left Beirut on a government-chartered flight yesterday and the Defence Secretary visited troops in Cyprus working on contingency planning
• UK and partners continue to call for de-escalation in the region and urge all parties to step back from the brink

The UK government has chartered a limited number of flights from Lebanon to support British nationals to leave the country in response to the deteriorating security situation.

To meet the demand for the charter flight on Wednesday, additional flights will depart from Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport from Thursday. The flights will continue for as long as the security situation allows.

The UK continues to work with partners to increase capacity on commercial flights for British nationals. Around 700 troops and Foreign Office and Home Office staff, including Border Force officers, have been deployed to Cyprus for contingency planning.

British nationals who have registered their presence with the government will be sent details on how to request a seat. Those who have not already registered their presence in Lebanon are urged to do so immediately.

British nationals and their spouse or partner, and children under the age of 18 are eligible. All passengers must hold a valid travel document. Dependants who are not British nationals will require a valid visa that has been granted for a period of stay in the UK of more than 6 months.

British nationals and their dependants should not travel to the airport unless they have a seat booked on a plane.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy said:

Recent events have demonstrated the volatility of the situation in Lebanon.

The safety of British nationals in Lebanon continues to be our number one priority. That’s why we are announcing additional chartered flights to help those who want to leave.

I urge all British nationals still in Lebanon to register with the FCDO and leave the country immediately.

UK government officials have been working round the clock in London, Beirut and the wider region to provide support to British nationals. A FCDO Rapid Deployment Team has also arrived in Lebanon to bolster the support offered by British Embassy officials.

Yesterday (2 October) Defence Secretary John Healey MP travelled to Cyprus to meet and thank military personnel who are deployed as part of contingency planning to support British nationals in Lebanon. He also met with his Cypriot counterpart Vasilis Palmas. They discussed the urgent need for de-escalation in the Middle East as well as the country’s support for humanitarian operations.

The Defence Secretary also held a call with his Israeli counterpart Yoav Gallant to express the UK’s condemnation of the Iranian attack and call for de-escalation and a ceasefire in Lebanon.

The FCDO urges everyone to continue to follow the relevant travel advice, exercise caution, and monitor media in Lebanon for developments.

The UK continues to call for a ceasefire between Lebanese Hizballah and Israel. A ceasefire would provide the space necessary to find a political solution in line with Resolution 1701.

Background

• British nationals and dependants will be eligible to request a space on the flight. Any non-British dependants will require a visa to enter the UK, granted for a period of stay in the UK of longer than 6 months, in line with usual immigration rules and entry process
• the FCDO launched the register your presence in Lebanon service on Wednesday 25 September 2024
• a limited number of commercial flights are still operating and the FCDO has been working with partners to increase capacity to enable British nationals to leave
• the FCDO has been advising British nationals to leave Lebanon since October 2023

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 3 October 2024.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Tánaiste Micheál Martin issued a joint communiqué following their meeting in Dublin on 3 October 2024.

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defence Micheál Martin welcomed UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy to Iveagh House on 3 October 2024.  Following the September visit by Prime Minister Starmer to Dublin, the visit provided an important opportunity to underscore the commitment to and ambition of both Governments for the British Irish relationship.

The Tánaiste and Foreign Secretary Lammy were joined by Nick Thomas-Symonds MP, Minister for the Constitution and EU Relations who updated them on the meeting of Prime Minister Keir Starmer and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Brussels yesterday. They agreed on the importance of a positive UK-EU relationship and looked forward to further work to strengthen cooperation.

The Tánaiste and Foreign Secretary placed a particular focus on investing in connections between our people, supporting sustainable economic growth through increased trade and investment, and deepening key strategic links that deliver in the long-term for both our countries.

Looking ahead to the first annual UK-Ireland Summit in March 2025, given the common global and security challenges that we face, they agreed to intensify cooperation on foreign and security policy issues as well instituting annual political consultations at senior official level.  They agreed to explore closer co-operation on peacebuilding.

The Tánaiste and Foreign Secretary focussed also on pressing global and security concerns.

Following their recent engagements at the United Nations, they emphasised the critical importance of protecting multilateralism and international law. They underlined both countries’ resolute support for Ukraine in the face of Russia’s illegal war.  At what is a critical moment in the Middle East, they agreed on the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of hostages, unhindered access for humanitarian aid and renewed focus on a two-state solution which is the only viable path to lasting peace and security for Israelis and Palestinians.

They condemned Iranian attacks on Israel, expressed deep concern about spiralling violence in the region and agreed the need for an immediate ceasefire between Hizballah and Israel. A political solution is the only way to restore stability and security for those innocent people living either side of the Lebanese-Israeli border.

They discussed opportunities to work together on international development and the fight against poverty, hunger and malnutrition, and on climate action, where both ministers looked forward to COP 29 and the Foreign Secretary set out the UK’s plans for a Global Clean Power Alliance.

Recognising the fundamental role of both governments as co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement, the Tánaiste and Foreign Secretary touched also on developments in Northern Ireland, welcoming the importance of the constructive early engagements with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. They noted the importance of the full and faithful implementation of the Windsor Framework, as well as engagement between the Irish and UK governments as the UK government works to repeal and replace the Legacy Act.

The Tánaiste and the Foreign Secretary agreed on the importance of a positive UK-EU relationship, noting that the EU and the UK are like-minded partners with shared values facing a globally challenging environment. They agreed that there is real potential for the UK and the EU to work further together to mutual benefit. They welcomed the recent agreement of Prime Minister Starmer and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to take forward an ambitious agenda of strengthened cooperation at pace over the coming months.

Finally, they welcomed the ambition for the relationship, as reflected by Ireland’s decision to open a new Ireland House in central London in 2026. Delivering on commitments in the Global Ireland Strategy, Ireland House will bring Ireland’s Embassy and state agencies together under one roof for the first time and is a clear expression of intent and confidence in the UK-Ireland relationship into the future.

Modelled on the successful Ireland Houses in operation or under development across the globe, including New York, Shanghai, Singapore and Tokyo, the investment will underpin a trading partnership worth €120 billion annually, as well as rich cultural, community and diaspora relationships. It also builds on Ireland’s government investment across Great Britain in recent years, including the opening of a new Consulate General in Manchester in 2021, and deepened partnerships with Scotland and Wales.

The Tánaiste and Foreign Secretary look forward to advancing a programme of cooperation that will further underscore relationship renewal in the period ahead.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 2 October 2024.

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on cooperation between the UN and the African Union.

I will make three points.

First, the UK welcomes the African Union’s leadership in championing multilateralism and supporting stability and prosperity across Africa. We praise the AU’s work driving and sustaining peace and security on the continent and its focus on putting women and youth at the centre of peace-making, peacekeeping and peacebuilding.

We welcome African leadership in this council and have long supported permanent African representation.

Second, we reaffirm our support for the deepening cooperation and partnership between the UN and the AU to advance our shared objectives. This is especially evident in Somalia.

We express our gratitude to the AU and troop contributing countries who, with the coordination and input of the UN Support Office for Somalia, have worked tirelessly to improve security in Somalia through the ATMIS mission.

We look forward to receiving the proposals by the UN and AU, in consultation with Somalia and international stakeholders, finalising the mission design for ATMIS’ successor, in line with Resolution 2748.

It is imperative that the final mission is financially viable and deliverable, and that it supports Somalia’s efforts to eventually assume full responsibility for, and ownership of, its security.

Third, we welcome the work of the joint UN-AU taskforce to prepare implementation of Resolution 2719, including in the critical areas of joint planning and decision making, financing and budgeting, human rights compliance, and protection of civilians. Sustained close collaboration between the UN and the AU will be essential to ensure 2719’s success.

We encourage member states to continue to support the AU in developing their frameworks. We look forward to receiving the joint roadmap, including a realistic assessment of needs and timeframes, and welcome this Council being kept updated on progress.

President, in conclusion, the UK looks forward to further collaboration, cooperation and partnership between the UN and the AU. This will be vital to help silence the guns and tackle the greatest challenges and conflicts on the continent.

We look forward to the consultations between the UN Security Council and the AU Peace and Security Council later this month.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 2 October 2024.

Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on the situation in the Middle East.

Let me start by thanking the Secretary General for his briefing, and reiterate our full and unequivocal support to him and to the UN as they seek to address this crisis.

The events this week are gravely concerning. Yesterday the Iranian regime launched over 200 ballistic missiles at Israel. We categorically condemn this act of aggression, which escalates an already dangerous situation. As my Prime Minister said yesterday, Israel has our full support in exercising its right to defend itself against Iranian aggression.

President, we are deeply concerned about the prospect of further escalation in Lebanon and across the region.

We have been clear: All our efforts now must be on stopping this cycle of violence. Iran and its allies across the region must exercise restraint and step away from the brink.

We have been clear: my Foreign Secretary has consistently called for a ceasefire in Lebanon, by Lebanese Hizballah and Israel, and the implementation of a political plan in line with UNSCR 1701.

We have been clear: in Gaza, we need an immediate ceasefire and the release of the hostages. My Foreign Secretary has urged both Israel and Hamas to agree the ceasefire deal on the table. To choose peace and bring this chaos to an end.

Peace, not war, is the courageous option. It is also the best option to secure stability and security for Israelis, Palestinians, Lebanese and the wider region.

President, my Prime Minister has been working urgently to gather support for a political solution to this crisis. Only a ceasefire in Lebanon and Gaza would create the space to agree a political plan, consistent with UNSCR 1701, that allows for the sustainable return of displaced Israeli and Lebanese civilians to their homes.

Innocent civilians in Israel and in Lebanon have been displaced from their homes for too long already. The only way they will return is through a sustainable peace across the Blue Line. The conflict in Lebanon is causing devastating consequences for civilians, especially for women and children, and draws us closer to a wider regional conflict.

President, we cannot let Lebanon become another Gaza. With mounting civilian casualties and hundreds of thousands of displaced people, all parties must do everything possible to protect civilians and fully respect international humanitarian law.

A widening of the conflict is in no-one’s interest. The actions taken now will impact a generation. I call on all actors to step back from the brink and find a political resolution.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 2 October 2024.

UK military advisor, Nicholas Aucott, says the UK’s military, financial, diplomatic and political support for Ukraine is iron-clad and will continue for as long as is needed as the cost of inaction would be far higher.

Thank you, Mr Chair. Last week Russia continued in its attempts to justify its illegal war of aggression against Ukraine. There can be no justifications for a war that Russia initiated, unprovoked. In doing so Russia attempted to mislead this Forum. By invading a sovereign state Russia has wilfully violated the Vienna Document and the Helsinki Final Act, foundation documents to which we are all signatories, and which underpin diplomacy here in this Forum.

The bravery and resilience of the Ukrainian people in defence of their homeland has been an inspiration. In pursuit of Ukraine’s inherent sovereign right to exist as an independent nation, they have unsurprisingly garnered support from around the world.

Compare this to the actions of the Russian military who, this weekend, conducted a ‘double-tap’ strike on the Saint Panteleimon Clinical Hospital in the Sumy Region, killing 10 people and injuring at least 22 others. most of those killed and wounded were first responders, hit 45 minutes after the first strike, as they attempted to evacuate those initially wounded. This is yet another violation of the Code of Conduct which obliges armed forms to comply with international law.

Two years, 226 days into this horrific conflict, the Russian state continues to issue threats in an effort to subjugate the Ukrainian people and deter others from providing such support. But the Russian state cannot be allowed to operate with impunity: its war in Ukraine is the defining struggle for our generation and profoundly challenges the UN Charter and the international order on which global prosperity and security depends.

The reality is that this war is proving costly to the Russian people. Military operations in Ukraine have cost Russia up to $211 billion.  The militarisation of the economy is punishing the Russian people, with approximately 40% of the federal budget spent on Defence and security

Despite the appalling losses on both sides of the conflict, the Russian state presses on with little regard for the lives of its own soldiers. Russian air force personnel have been backfilling infantry roles due to the restricted Russian labour market. Russian fighting capability is depleted as it struggles to replace high casualty rates.

Russia can end this terrible war of choice immediately, by withdrawing its forces from Ukraine. The UK will continue to deliver £3 billion of military aid to Ukraine every year for as long as needed. The UK’s military, financial, diplomatic and political support for Ukraine is iron-clad – that includes backing calls for a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression, to support efforts to hold Putin’s Russia to account for its illegal war.

The UK recognises that we must lay the foundations for Ukraine’s long-term future.  We will accelerate Ukraine’s irreversible move towards NATO, while the Ukrainian people have decided their future is in Europe and the EU has opened accession talks.  We are supporting private sector-led growth and reform unlocking obstacles to trade and investment.  Doing more will not be without cost to us – but the costs of inaction are far higher.

Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 2 October 2024.

UK Statement for the Universal Periodic Review Adoption of Eritrea as delivered at the 57th Human Rights Council in Geneva.

Mr President,

We thank Eritrea for engaging with the UPR process and we note the recommendations that the government has accepted.

We are pleased to see that these include a number of recommendations relating to healthcare and education.

We would like to very much encourage the government of Eritrea to engage with the international community to support implementation, noting the challenges faced by the government in previous cycles.

We do however worry that the spread of accepted recommendations suggests a lack of commitment to the promotion and protection of the full range of civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights.

We are disappointed that our recommendations to implement the 1997 constitution and also to allow access for the Special Rapporteur were not accepted.

We reiterate our belief that these recommendations would support the promotion and protection of all human rights for all Eritrean citizens. Furthermore, cooperation with HRC mandate holders are especially pertinent given that Eritrea remains a member of the Human Rights Council.

Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 1 October 2024.

The delegation arrived in the country on 20 September, to build partnerships, gain deeper understanding of the cocoa market and cocoa farmers across the country.

The UK government has supported 17 cocoa buyers to visit Solomon Islands to increase cocoa exports to the UK.

Supporting the cocoa trade between Solomon Islands and the UK is a win-win, driving growth and increasing incomes for Solomon Islands farmers whilst giving UK consumers access to the best quality Solomon cocoa.

The delegation arrived in the country on 20 September, to build partnerships and gain a deeper understanding of the cocoa market and cocoa farmers across the country.

Highlights from the mission included visiting Pilapaso Cocoa plantation and micro chocolate factories, Amazing Grace on Guadalcanal where they witnessed first-hand the harvesting and fermentation processes conducted by the farm owners, and two days in Malaita province where they visited cocoa farms across the northern region.

The UK cocoa buyers also worked with Solomon processors, visiting Cathliro’s café, processing and chocolate making facilities and the Kokonut Pacific Solomon Islands’ (KPSI) shop, coconut oil and cocoa processing and chocolate making facility in East Honiara.

Their mission concluded with a regional cocoa workshop held at the Heritage Park Hotel at which cocoa producers and exporters from across the Pacific attended and discussed market requirements and sourcing opportunities.

Under the UK-Pacific Economic Partnership Agreement that started in January 2021 goods from the Pacific can enter the UK market duty-free and quota-free.

Thanks to the deal, high-end UK chocolatiers are turning to Solomon Islands for their cocoa: boosting Solomon exports and incomes, whilst bringing quality products to the UK market.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 1 October 2024.

Ambassador Neil Holland says that the Warsaw Human Dimension Conference symbolises our shared commitment to respect human rights and fundamental freedoms, and thanks civil society organisations for their ongoing work.

Thank you Madam Chair and may I first thank the former and acting Directors of ODIHR for ODIHR’s support, assistance and expertise to participating States. ODIHR’s role is a manifestation of the principle that lasting security can only be achieved through respect for human rights and strong democratic institutions.

I would also like to thank the former Representative on Freedom of the Media and her team for their invaluable work, delivering on comprehensive security through media freedom.

And finally, I thank the Chair in Office and you Madam Chair, as well as Poland, our hosts, for their efforts and perseverance in arranging this Conference. These Conferences are the beating heart of the OSCE’s human dimension work in holding States to account.

The Warsaw Human Dimension Conference symbolises our shared commitment to respect human rights and fundamental freedoms. Those values, agreed in the Helsinki Accords nearly 50 years ago, are as relevant as ever today, as one participating State – Russia – unleashes an all-out attack on the OSCE’s founding principles through its all-out attack on another participating State Ukraine.

At the forefront of our minds during this conference are the ongoing atrocities being committed by Russia in Ukraine where the human rights situation continues to deteriorate. Russia’s aggression shows no respect for the rights and dignity of the Ukrainian people, nor for the OSCE commitments which it contravenes. ODIHR’s recent Fifth Interim Report showed stark evidence of the grave violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law being committed by Russia. This is also demonstrated in the reports resulting from our invocations of the Moscow Mechanism, supported by Ukraine.

As we look forward to next year’s 50th anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act, it is shocking to see all of the founding principles in the Helsinki Decalogue being blatantly violated by Russia, including respect for human rights and the fundamental freedoms. A key Helsinki commitment was that the security of the state is inseparable from the safety of the citizens. I have yet to hear any explanation from Russia as to why their actions in Ukraine can be interpreted in any other way than blatant disregard and violation of those founding principles. They did not provide any explanation when I asked them directly at the Permanent Council and they have chosen to block the Human Dimension Implementation Meeting which was designed for States to hold each other to account for their actions.

We pay tribute to the brave human rights defenders and other members of civil society, many of whom operate in increasingly oppressive environments. The perspective of civil society is vital in building an understanding of the human rights situation at grassroots level. So we are pleased to see so many civil society representatives at this conference. You represent the spirit of Helsinki and we will continue to support you and amplify your voices.

Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 1 October 2024.

UK Statement for the Universal Periodic Review Adoption of Yemen as delivered at the 57th Human Rights Council in Geneva.

Thank you, Mr President.

The United Kingdom welcomes the engagement of the government of Yemen with the UPR process. The UK recognises that despite facing obstacles due to the ongoing crisis in Yemen, the government has accepted many of the recommendations.

We are aware that the government of Yemen has actively engaged in peace initiatives but the Houthi militia’s refusal to participate has hindered progress towards an inclusive and sustainable political settlement. And the government has shown willingness to commit to promoting human rights, gender equality and enhancing governance structures.

Despite this willingness, the UK would like to reiterate concerns for the deteriorating human rights situation on the ground. Yemenis continue to suffer severe hardship. We call on the government of Yemen to improve humanitarian access and aid delivery in areas under its control and urge the government to improve the treatment of migrants. In addition, the government should create the necessary conditions for Yemenis to safely express freedom of religion.

Finally, we implore the government to implement the necessary institutional changes to ensure the meaningful participation of women and religious minorities in political decision-making processes and any future peace settlement.

Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 1 October 2024.

The UK, alongside the US and Australia, has sanctioned 16 members of prolific Russian cyber-crime gang ‘Evil Corp’.

• the UK sanctions 16 members of prolific Russian cyber-crime gang Evil Corp, alongside the US and Australia
• Evil Corp’s malicious cyber activity involved a concerted effort to compromise UK health, government and public sector institutions

Cybercriminals connected to Evil Corp, a prolific, long-standing Russian hacker group, have today (1 October) been targeted with new UK sanctions, in coordinated action alongside the US and Australia.

Among those sanctioned today is Maksim Yakubets, who long led the group’s operations and has a $5 million bounty on his head by the US Department of Justice. Yakubets also cultivated strong ties between Evil Corp and the Russian state, developing relationships with the FSB and Russian military intelligence (GRU).

Known for their Mafia style of operation, Evil Corp has waged a campaign of destructive cyber-attacks worldwide for over a decade.

This includes malware and ransomware attacks against UK health, government and public sector institutions, as well as private commercial technology companies. Their attacks have earned hundreds of millions of dollars in illicit profits worldwide.

Those sanctioned today will now be subject to a series of asset freezes and travel bans. The UK is committed to protecting the businesses and livelihoods affected by these cruel attacks.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy said:

I am making it my personal mission to target the Kremlin with the full arsenal of sanctions at our disposal.

Putin has built a corrupt mafia state with himself at its centre. We must combat this at every turn, and today’s action is just the beginning.

Today’s sanctions send a clear message to the Kremlin that we will not tolerate Russian cyber-attacks – whether from the state itself or from its cyber-criminal ecosystem.

Security Minister Dan Jarvis said:

Cyber-crime causes immense damage to people and business across the world but today’s action is evidence that there are serious consequences for those involved.

We will continue to work with our international partners to pursue and expose malicious cyber activity and protect the public.

These sanctions have taken place in coordination with significant law enforcement investigations led by the NCA and law enforcement agencies internationally. This announcement demonstrates our ability to use the full range of government tools to target the threat from cybercrime and disrupt malicious cyber actors emanating from the Russian state.

Today’s sanctions build on the action taken earlier this year against a leader of associated cyber-crime group LockBit. Alongside our allies, we will continue to crack down on malicious cyber activity and cyber-crime groups with links to Russia that seek to undermine global integrity, prosperity and security.

Background

Today the UK has sanctioned:

• Maksim Viktorovich Yakubets
• Artem Viktorovich Yakubets
• Viktor Grigoryevich Yakubets
• Igor Olegovich Turashev
• Aleksandr Viktorovich Ryzhenkov
• Sergey Viktorovich Ryzhenkov
• Eduard Vitalevich Benderskiy
• Dmitry Konstantinovich Smirnov
• Dmitriy Alekseyevich Slobodskoy
• Kirill Alekseyevich Slobodskoy
• Denis Igorevich Gusev
• Ivan Dmitriyevich Tuchkov
• Andrey Vechislavovich Plotnitskiy
• Aleksey Evgenyevich Shchetinin
• Beyat Enverovich Ramazanov
• Vadim Gennadyevich Pogodin

Since designation by the US in 2019, Evil Corp-affiliated actors have continued to operate, rebranding their activity by using different ransomware variants to obfuscate their activity and evade sanctions. This activity included the use of and affiliation with LockBit ransomware operations. Evil Corp and those involved in its malicious cyber activity remain a threat.

These announcements represent the culmination of significant law enforcement investigations led by the NCA and law enforcement agencies internationally and demonstrate our ability to use the full range of government tools to target the threat from cybercrime and disrupt malicious cyber actors emanating from the Russian state.

Alongside our sanctions action, the NCA, FBI and Australian Federal Police have released a public document revealing Evil Corp’s ties to the Russian state and their history of trying to adapt to a changing cyber landscape to cause as much harm as possible, including by pioneering new forms of cyber-crime.

This package has been announced as the UK is attending the international Counter Ransomware Initiative in the United States, where like-minded countries are working to mitigate the risks of malicious cyber activity.