Written question asked by Lord Hylton (Crossbench), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Howell of Guildford (Conservative) on Monday, 12 March 2012.

Syria

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they are discussing ceasefires, access for humanitarian supplies, and possible safe zones in Syria with the International Committee of the Red Cross.

Answer: Officials from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Department for International Development have regular contact with the International Committee of the Red Cross to discuss the humanitarian situation in Syria. The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right honourable friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague) attended the Friends of Syria meeting in Tunis on 24 February with more than 70 other countries and international organisations. The chairman's conclusions at the Friends of Syria meeting called for the Syrian Government to allow free and unimpeded access by the United Nations and humanitarian agencies, including the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The Foreign Secretary set out the Government's position on safe havens during his update on Syria to the other place on 6 February 2012 (Official Report, Commons, col. 32).

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 15987; 736 c32-3WA
Session: 2010-12
Related items: Syria
Monday, 6 February 2012
Parliamentary proceedings
House of Commons
Subjects: Access Armed conflict Humanitarian aid Syria
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk