Tag: Press Release

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 20 February 2024.

Statement by Deputy Political Coordinator Thomas Phipps at the UN Security Council meeting on DRC.

Thank you, President, let me begin by thanking SRSG Keita for her comprehensive briefing today and for the ongoing and important work of MONUSCO and the bravery and commitment of its peacekeepers.  I’d like to make four points today regarding the situation in DRC.

First, let me express the United Kingdom’s deep concern at the worsening violence in eastern DRC. We condemn in the strongest terms the UN-sanctioned M23 armed group’s continued advance. We call on external actors to end their support for violent armed groups in DRC, including M23. We encourage all parties to use their influence over the armed groups in eastern DRC to de-escalate tensions and to deliver a cessation of hostilities.

Second,  let me join SRSG Keita in emphasising the importance of diplomatic dialogue, including through the Luanda and Nairobi peace processes. Its vital that parties meaningfully engage with these and take steps to de-escalate tensions,  and respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the DRC.

Third, we note that UN peacekeepers are facing an increasingly dangerous environment. We urge parties to respect the Mission’s freedom of movement and we reiterate our condemnation of the recent attack on a MONUSCO helicopter in early February. Any attacks on civilians, MONUSCO peacekeepers, UN offices and diplomats are unacceptable. We support efforts to counter mis- and disinformation, which is detrimental to our collective efforts to support peace and reach a diplomatic solution.

Finally, I want to express the United Kingdom’s deep concern at the worsening humanitarian crisis in eastern DRC. Violence will just lead to further violence and pose a risk to regional security and stability. We urge all combatants, including regional forces, to respect international humanitarian law and to take active measures to reduce risks to civilians.

Dialogue is key and we urge all parties to come back to the table.

Thank you President.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 20 February 2024.

January 2024 statement of the Iraq Economic Contact Group of the G7, European Union and World Bank, welcoming the government’s continued commitment to economic reform.

The Iraq Economic Contact Group (IECG) welcomes the government’s continued commitment to economic reform and stimulating private sector growth. The last semester witnessed important steps forward, such as the concrete initiative to reform public banking sector with the launch of an advisory firm-led review, Iraq’s finalised accession to the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the holding of the PPP and Iraq Tax Reform Conference, active participation in COP 28 and the launch of the first Iraqi sovereign wealth fund, the Iraq Fund for Development (IFD).

However, while the path to reform is long, the IECG will support Iraq through these endeavours, which would be transformational for the Iraqi economy. On January 1st, Italy and the United States passed on the IECG co-chair to France and the United Kingdom, which will shape the IECG’s work in the first half of 2024. Under the incoming co-chairs, the IECG will continue to stand with Iraq on its path towards sustainable and inclusive economic development. More specifically, the Group will pursue its support to the government’s ambitious reform programmes, especially the banking sector, public finance management and private sector development.

The IECG’s areas of focus during this period will be as follows:

Financial Sector Reform

Supporting diversification and modernisation of Iraq’s banking sector, especially in view of Iraq’s ongoing evaluation by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), in close collaboration with the government and Central Bank of Iraq. This will require increasing compliance with international standards, strengthening links with international banks, countering money laundering, and promoting the role of private banks and insurance providers. We welcome the government’s and Central Bank’s work on state-owned bank reform, banking sector modernisation and improving governance around commercial banking; and e-payments (which will facilitate formalisation of the economy).

Public Financial Management

The three-year Budget Law sets out Iraq’s medium-term economic vision and strategy. However, against the backdrop of uncertain oil prices prospects, fiscal policy has to be sustainable, while preserving investment for future growth and targeted social spending to help the most vulnerable. This would require mobilising additional non-oil revenue, containing the government’s wage bill and reforming the pension system. In this context, the IECG welcome the government’s continued plans to strengthen public financial management including steps towards the establishment of a Treasury Single Account (TSA) and an Integrated Finance Management Information System (IFMIS). We support the government steer on modernising customs in Iraq by facilitating the roll-out of UNCTAD’s Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA), which will be a game-changer in customs processing in Iraq while improving tax collection and the ease of doing business.

Private Sector Development

A dynamic and inclusive private sector is key to create the millions of jobs that will be needed in the coming decades and contribute to Iraq’s growth and stability. The IECG will continue supporting the Iraqi government in its efforts to foster Iraq’s business environment, diversify the economy and reduce oil dependency. This includes, inter alia, improving business regulation, digitalisation, access to finance for businesses and strengthening anti-corruption mechanisms. These efforts will help build resilience, particularly when it comes to creating equal and meaningful economic opportunities for Iraqi women and youth. The IECG welcomes the launch of the Iraq Fund for Development, which has the potential to make significant contributions to rebuilding Iraq’s human capital, developing the private sector and strengthening Iraq’s climate resilience.

Finally, the IECG welcomes the recent meetings of His Excellency Prime Minister Sudani with international financial institutions in Davos earlier this year, including with the Managing Director of the IMF and the President of the World Bank. The IECG supports ongoing engagement with international financial institutions which can provide valuable technical expertise, including the World Bank, IMF and EBRD. The IECG will also support the work to create conditions for a final understanding on the Framework Agreement with the European Investment Bank (EIB). These financial institutions will also support Iraq to implement its priorities, for example during the upcoming IMF annual consultation with the Government of Iraq. Comprised of donors and partners, the IECG sees itself well-positioned to facilitate Iraq’s engagement with these institutions and to advocate for multilateral support to Iraq’s fiscal and economic reform agenda.

As friends and partners of Iraq, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the European Union, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the World Bank, look forward to pursue their collaboration with the Government of Iraq to support common goals, through regular dialogue at both the political and technical level.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 20 February 2024.

Explanation of vote by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council meeting on Gaza.

Thank you President, we want to see the fighting in Gaza end as soon as possible in a way that never again allows Hamas to carry out the appalling terrorist attacks against Israel we saw on the 7th of October last year.

Palestinian civilians are facing a devastating humanitarian crisis. We are particularly worried about the situation in Rafah, where a military operation could have appalling consequences for civilians sheltering there with nowhere else to go. Ongoing negotiations are critical to secure the release of the hostages held in Gaza.

We are calling for an immediate suspension in fighting to get aid in and hostages out, leading to a permanent, sustainable ceasefire.

That means the release of all hostages; the formation of a new Palestinian Government for the West Bank and Gaza, accompanied by an international support package; removing Hamas’s capacity to launch attacks against Israel; Hamas no longer in charge of Gaza; and, a political horizon which provides a credible and irreversible pathway towards a two-state solution.

President, we welcome the efforts of our Algerian colleagues on this resolution, and we regret that some of our proposals were not taken on board.

Simply calling for a ceasefire as this resolution does, will not make it happen. Indeed, as it could endanger the hostage negotiations, it could actually make a ceasefire less likely. The way to stop the fighting, and potentially stop it from restarting, is to begin with a pause to get hostages out and aid in, that is what we are calling for. It could end the fighting now.

We will continue to work to stop fighting. A humanitarian response at scale. The release of all hostages. And the delivery of the two sovereign states of Israel and Palestine that ensures peace, security and justice for both nations.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 20 February 2024.

David Rutley will be strengthening UK-US economic links and deepening security ties with the UK’s closest ally on a visit to New England and Washington DC.

Strengthening economic links that support millions of jobs on both sides of the Atlantic and deepening security ties with the UK’s closest ally will be the focus for Americas Minister David Rutley as he begins a visit to New England and Washington DC today (Tuesday 20 February).

Minister for the Americas, Caribbean and Overseas Territories David Rutley said:

The UK has no better friend than America. It is a partnership that delivers security and prosperity for communities on both sides of the Atlantic and around the world.

The strength of that bond has been clear on my visits to states across the US and I am now looking forward to boosting those deep and long-standing links in Massachusetts and New Hampshire, by driving forward trade, technology and cultural partnerships that help tie us together as the closest of allies.

His trip to New Hampshire and Massachusetts will continue a programme of visits that Minister Rutley is making to states across the US as he champions the UK as a great investment and business partner and highlights the unrivalled security and defence ties between the two allies.

With the US and UK already having more than £1 trillion invested in each other’s economies, it is a relationship that presents huge opportunities for people and businesses on both sides of the Atlantic – supporting Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s priority to grow the UK’s economy and create better paying jobs.

The UK supports more jobs in America than any other country, with more than 1.2 million people working for British companies, while almost 1.5 million people do the same for American companies in the UK.

In Massachusetts and New Hampshire, world-renowned British businesses such as BAE Systems and GlaxoSmithKline support jobs for almost 44,000 Bay Staters and around 13,000 New Hampshirites.

While in New England, Minister Rutley will discuss with political, business and industry leaders how the UK and US can strengthen cooperation in key sectors, including a meeting with representatives from Fenway Sporting Group at the iconic Fenway Park in Boston.

At a conference at the Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Science, he will also discuss how a UK-US partnership signed last year is accelerating global fusion energy development.

The UK is widely recognised as a world leader in the most promising fusion technologies and the UK-US partnership follows the launch of the UK’s updated Fusion Strategy.

Minister Rutley will also deliver a speech at the Harvard Business School, his alma mater, while in Boston.

He will reaffirm the strength of the UK’s relationship with its closest strategic ally and their alignment across foreign policy goals, including support for Ukraine, in working towards a sustainable peace in the Middle East and in responding to challenges posed by China.

Following his trip to New England, Minister Rutley will then travel to Washington DC where he will attend the National Governors Association winter meeting to meet with key state-level political leaders as he further deepens economic and security links across the US.

Notes to editors:

• Minister Rutley graduated from Harvard Business School in 1985 having completed a two-year MBA.
• The UK and Massachusetts share a goods trading relationship that was worth £3.4 billion in 2022. Almost 44,000 Bay Staters go to work each day in jobs supported by UK companies.
• The UK and New Hampshire share a goods trading relationship that was worth £343 million in 2022. Around 13,000 New Hampshirites go to work each day in jobs supported by UK companies.
• The UK-US partnership to accelerate global fusion energy development was signed in November 2023 to promote further global collaboration vital and innovation in this flourishing technology and builds on the UK’s Fusion Strategy to lead the global commercialisation of fusion energy, announced in October 2023.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 20 February 2024.

UK government announces £17 million to help clear explosives across Africa and Asia and raise awareness of the associated risks.

• eight countries across Africa and Asia to be supported through £17 million in new funding to Mines Advisory Group (MAG) and The HALO Trust (HALO)
• their work will support the clearance of explosives, as well as raising awareness of the danger of mines
• combined with programmes announced last year in Ukraine and Afghanistan, more than 50,000 people are expected to benefit from the programme

The UK government has today announced new funding for leading British organisations, the Mines Advisory Group (MAG) and The HALO Trust (HALO) to help clear mines and educate communities about the associated risks in 8 countries: Angola, Cambodia, Ethiopia, Laos, Myanmar, Somalia, South Sudan and Zimbabwe.

It follows funding announced last year for projects in Ukraine and Afghanistan, supporting more than 50,000 people from programmes across the 10 countries.

MAG and The HALO Trust anticipate that almost 17 million square metres of land will be freed of mines in the 10 countries thanks to the UK funding. The release of land for agriculture, housing, and basic social services such as schools, hospitals, water, and sanitation will support and promote economic development within communities around the world, restore livelihoods in rural and marginalised areas, as well as strengthen local production and food security.

MAG and HALO will also reach over half a million people with more than 34,000 in-person explosive ordnance risk education sessions, which will significantly improve risk awareness and community safety across the countries.

Minister for Development and Africa, Andrew Mitchell, said:

Landmines are a nightmare – causing thousands of deaths and injuries each year.

The UK remains committed in its determination to work towards a mine-free world and is delighted to award extra funding to MAG and The HALO Trust to continue their life-saving work.

We want to help both organisations create safe and secure environments where communities live freely without fear of the deadly threat of landmines.

Today’s announcement brings the total amount committed through multi-year contracts under the third iteration of the government’s Global Mine Action Programme (GMAP) to £28 million. GMAP has been running since 2014 and has supported the clearance of hundreds of millions of square metres of land to date.

The funding announced today will allow work to continue in some of the world’s most heavily mined countries, such as Cambodia and Laos, as well as some of the poorest countries in the world such as South Sudan and Somalia until March 2025. It will also support a new country programme in Ethiopia, where HALO is currently the only active international mine operator.

Funding will also create new opportunities for women in countries like Angola, Cambodia and Laos through increased employment and career development in demining, with ongoing investment in staff training.

Darren Cormack, CEO of MAG, said:

We are immensely grateful for the funding and long-standing support from the UK government and are delighted to partner with The HALO Trust to continue our work in some of the world’s most mine-affected countries.

Whilst much remains to be done in many active conflict environments in which we are working, this funding will provide vital assistance to many countries that are tackling the legacy of conflict, which continues to claim lives long after the fighting is over. This is an important step towards a mine-free world.

James Cowan, CEO of The HALO Trust, said:

This funding announcement coincides with The HALO Trust celebrating the clearance of 5,000 minefields in Cambodia, 1,000 minefields in Angola and a staggering 2 million landmines worldwide. None of these milestones would have been possible without the support of our donors. The sustained commitment of the UK government and generosity of the British taxpayer have played a vital role.

We will continue our lifesaving work alongside MAG and other partners in the sector until the last mine is gone and last munition defused.

Background

For over 30 years, MAG and The HALO Trust have been delivering a broad range of humanitarian mine action initiatives.

Funding announced today, which totals close to £17 million, will support MAG and HALO to continue their vital ongoing work in 8 countries:

• Angola: £2 million will be provided to MAG and HALO to deliver clearance and risk education in the east and south of the country. To date, HALO and MAG have released more than 230 million square metres of land back to communities in Angola and in January, HALO celebrated the clearance of 1,000 minefields in Angola.
• Cambodia: GMAP funding has supported work in Cambodia since 2014, with today’s announcement committing a further £3 million for work in the rest of the country. To date, MAG and HALO have rendered safe more than 600 million square metres in Cambodia, with HALO supporting the clearance of 5,000 minefields in Cambodia.
• Ethiopia and Somalia: Ethiopia is the latest addition to the GMAP project, with £1.2 million committed to support the HALO Trust’s operations near the Somali border. A further £1.8 million will allow work to continue in Somalia, which has been supported through GMAP since 2016
• Laos: this year will mark 30 years of MAG’s operations in Laos – the world’s most heavily bombed country per capita – where more than 145 million square metres of land have been cleared. The UK has funded projects in Laos since 2014, with a further £1.9 million being committed over the next year
• Myanmar: despite a challenging context, MAG and The HALO Trust are successfully delivering risk education and other community liaison activities within the country. £0.75m from GMAP will support this work to continue
• South Sudan: £2.1 million will help MAG and The HALO Trust clear land for resettlement and agriculture, a prerequisite for refugees and communities to return home and rebuild their lives
• Zimbabwe: £4.2 million in funding will continue to support country’s efforts in achieving landmine-free status by 2025, a major milestone and a crucial step towards sustainable development in the once affected areas

Today’s funding follows £11.6 million that was awarded to MAG and HALO for projects in Ukraine and Afghanistan last year.

MAG and HALO, the world’s leading humanitarian mine action organisations, have decades of experience across all 10 countries and will draw on the additional expertise of a local humanitarian partner to deliver risk-education work in Myanmar.

As one of the founding signatories to the Mine Ban Treaty in 1997, the UK has had a major role in tackling the legacy of landmines and explosive remnants of war. In the 26 years since the treaty was signed, aid from the UK government has made a substantial contribution to the peace and wellbeing of millions of people around the world.