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UK Establishes Diplomatic Ties with Syrian Rebels, Says Lammy

UK diplomatic contact with Syrian rebels
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London: The UK government has confirmed that it has established diplomatic contact with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the Syrian rebel group that recently toppled the Assad regime. Foreign Secretary David Lammy emphasized that while HTS remains a proscribed terrorist organization, engagement with the group is being conducted through diplomatic and intelligence channels for strategic reasons.

Diplomatic Contact with HTS

David Lammy clarified that the UK’s contact with HTS does not equate to personal engagement by senior officials. Instead, the interaction is part of a broader effort to manage key issues following the political upheaval in Syria. Speaking on Sunday, Lammy outlined the UK’s priorities:

  • Ensuring the establishment of a representative and inclusive government in Syria.
  • Securing and safely destroying chemical weapons stockpiles.
  • Aiming to stop any additional violence and maintain stability in the region.

Lammy said, “We seek to deal with HTS where we have to, using all the channels available, including diplomatic and intelligence-led approaches.”

Humanitarian Aid for Syrians

As part of its response to the crisis, the UK has pledged £50 million in humanitarian aid to support vulnerable populations in Syria. Lammy announced the funding alongside remarks about the UK’s strategic approach, ensuring aid reaches Syrians affected by years of conflict and recent political upheaval.

The funding decision followed a high-level meeting in Aqaba, Jordan, where international leaders and representatives from countries such as the US, France, Germany, and Turkey discussed the future of Syria. The primary outcomes of the meeting were as follows:

  • The call for a non-sectarian, inclusive Syrian government.
  • Support for protecting human rights and ensuring unfettered access to humanitarian aid.
  • Commitments to combat terrorism and prevent the misuse of chemical weapons.

HTS, however, was notably absent from the meeting.

HTS Proscription Status

Lammy reaffirmed that HTS remains on the UK’s list of proscribed terrorist organizations, given its roots in al-Qaeda. He highlighted the group’s historical connection to violence on British soil but did not rule out the possibility of reevaluating its status based on future actions.

He added, “We will judge them on their actions. I won’t comment on future proscription but recognize the importance of this moment for Syria.”

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer noted that a decision on whether to remove HTS from the proscription list has not been made yet.

Background on UK-Syria Relations

In 2013, the UK shut down its embassy in Damascus due to the Assad regime’s harsh crackdown on Arab Spring protests. Since then, diplomatic interactions with Syria have been limited and strategic, focusing primarily on intelligence and humanitarian efforts.

Conclusion

The UK’s diplomatic engagement with HTS marks a significant shift in its approach to the Syrian crisis. As international leaders continue to assess the political future of Syria, the focus remains on fostering stability, combating terrorism, and addressing humanitarian needs.

While the road ahead is complex, the UK’s commitment to a peaceful and inclusive resolution demonstrates its intent to contribute constructively to Syria’s post-Assad future.

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