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UK Engages in Diplomatic Contact with Syrian Rebel Group
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy has confirmed that the British government is maintaining “diplomatic contact” with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a Syrian rebel group responsible for the ousting of the Assad regime. However, he emphasized that HTS is still classified as a proscribed terrorist organization.
Lammy stated that while the UK regards HTS as a terrorist group, the nation recognizes the necessity of diplomatic channels. “We can have diplomatic contact and so we do have diplomatic contact, as you would expect,” he noted.
In a parallel development, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced that the United States has established “direct contact” with the HTS, which currently controls parts of Syria.
These discussions unfolded alongside the UK government’s announcement of a £50 million humanitarian aid package aimed at assisting vulnerable populations in Syria. Lammy expressed the UK’s aspirations for Syria, stating, “We want to see a representative government, an inclusive government. We want to see chemical weapons stockpiles secured, and not used, and we want to ensure that there is not continuing violence.”
The foreign secretary explained that the UK is leveraging various diplomatic and intelligence-led channels to engage with HTS as necessary. However, it is important to clarify that Lammy’s comments do not imply he has personally communicated with the organization.
Since the closure of the UK embassy in Damascus in 2013—prompted by the brutal suppression of the Arab Spring protests—the UK’s capacity for direct diplomatic engagement has been limited. Lammy responded to inquiries about the potential removal of HTS from the list of proscribed terror groups, reiterating that the organization has roots in al-Qaeda, which has been linked to significant loss of life in Britain. He stated, “We will judge them on their actions,” while refraining from speculating on future decisions regarding HTS’s status.
Earlier this week, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer indicated that no final resolution had been reached regarding HTS’s designation as a terrorist organization.
The recent financial commitment to Syria followed discussions in Aqaba, Jordan, where ministers from several nations convened. The participants emphasized the significance of creating a “non-sectarian and representative government,” ensuring human rights are upheld, providing unrestricted access for humanitarian aid, safely eradicating chemical weapons, and combating terrorism.
Notably, HTS was absent from these meetings in Jordan, underscoring the complexities of the Syrian conflict and the various international efforts aimed at stabilization and humanitarian assistance.
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