Foreign Secretary visits Syria
Foreign Secretary William Hague discussed a range of issues including the political situation in Lebanon, the current state of the Middle East Peace Process and Iran鈥檚 nuclear programme during his visit to Syria.
In his first visit to Syria since taking Office the Foreign Secretary met President Assad and Foreign Minister Muallem.
Speaking after his meetings he made clear that Syria was an important country in the Middle East and spelt out why the UK needed to 鈥渆ngage with Syria on the urgent and dangerous issues confronting the region鈥� by building a greater understanding of how to address these and cooperate more closely in the future. He said:
鈥淲e believe in a frank and active dialogue between Syria and the United Kingdom, notwithstanding the issues on which our governments have disagreed in the past and of course we may disagree in some respects in the future. And so one of my objectives in my meetings today was to listen, as well as to make clear the UK鈥檚 position鈥�.
During his meetings the Foreign Secretary stressed Britain鈥檚 backing for a two state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and its 鈥渟upport for all those truly working towards a peaceful and lasting settlement鈥� which must be 鈥渂ased on 1967 borders and involve a just settlement for refugees as well as Jerusalem as the capital of both states鈥�. He also reaffirmed the UK鈥檚 opposition to settlements, which is rooted in international law, and the need for a urgent return to direct talks between the parties in the near future. On Syria鈥檚 role he said:
鈥淲e hope Syria will support efforts towards a comprehensive peace with Israel. We support the return of the Golan Heights to Syria, but also the fundamental right of Israel to live in peace and security鈥�.
On Lebanon, the Foreign Secretary expressed concern about the current situation:
鈥淭he UK looks for a government that is formed in accordance with Lebanon鈥檚 constitution; that commands the broadest possible support of the people of Lebanon; that upholds its international obligations including the Special Tribunal and an end to impunity for assassinations. Above all it should be a government that is committed to restraint and the principle of non-violence, as well as a sovereign and independent future for Lebanon鈥�.
The Foreign Secretary raised Iran鈥檚 nuclear programme and the policies of the Iranian government:
鈥淲e were disappointed that Iran refused during the Istanbul talks to engage with serious proposals put to them. In the absence of a willingness by Iran to engage seriously over its nuclear programme, peaceful and legitimate international pressure on Iran will only continue and intensify鈥�.
The Foreign Secretary made clear the British Government鈥檚 鈥渃onstant belief of human rights and political and religious freedoms鈥� and pointed to 鈥渁n opportunity for closer relations between Syria and the UK over time, if we can build greater understanding on these and other issues鈥�. He described the visit as 鈥渁 useful start in this process鈥� and looked 鈥渇orward to further exchanges in the future鈥�.