1-20 of 525 results for subject:Sanctions
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To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment he has made of the effects of the economic restrictions imposed by the Israeli Government on the (a) competitiveness of the Palestinian economy, (b) productivity of the Palestinian agricultural and manufacturing sectors, (c) employability of the...
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment he has made of the effects of the economic restrictions imposed by the Israeli Government on the (a) competitiveness of the Palestinian economy, (b) productivity of the Palestinian agricultural and manufacturing sectors, (c) employability of the...
The Government continues to assess that Israeli restrictions on movement and access in the West Bank and Gaza are the single biggest obstacle to trade and economic development, and hence one of the most important causes of the current financial difficulties of the Palestinian Authority. This is in line with the assessment of the World Bank's Economic Monitoring Report to the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee (AHLC) on 19 March 2013. An easing of these restrictions is vital for the Palestinian economy to flourish. As the International Monetary Fund's report to the AHLC noted, the failure to make more progress in reducing restrictions has led to a rise in unemployment (up to 22.9% in the last quarter of 2012 from 21.0% during the same period in 2011), a decline in public services and the halving of growth in the West Bank and Gaza (from 12.2% in 2011 to 6.0% in 2012). Exports of goods are 7% of gross domestic product—among the lowest in the world.
The result is harm to the long-term competitiveness of the Palestinian economy. We continue to lobby the Israeli Government to ease its restrictions on movement and access. We want to see increased movement of goods between the West Bank, Gaza, Israel and beyond.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when the EU Foreign Affairs Council will next meet; and whether the suspension of sanctions on Burma will be discussed at that meeting.
[151492]
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when the EU Foreign Affairs Council will next meet; and whether the suspension of sanctions on Burma will be discussed at that meeting.
[151492]
The EU Foreign Affairs Council will next meet on 22 April 2013. The dates for all upcoming EU Council meetings are published on the Europa website at the following address:
http://europa.eu/newsroom/calendar/
On 22 April, EU Foreign Ministers will discuss the situation in Burma in the context of reviewing the EU’s restrictive measures, most of which were suspended on 23 April 2012. The arms embargo and restrictions on the supply of equipment which could be used for internal repression remain in place.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment has his Department made of the effect of recent decisions by the European Court of Justice on the sanctions regime against Iran.
[150933]
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment has his Department made of the effect of recent decisions by the European Court of Justice on the sanctions regime against Iran.
[150933]
The UK., and its EU partners, continue to believe that robust and principled measures must be taken against entities and individuals providing support to Iran's nuclear and ballistic missiles programmes. We firmly believe that there remains a case to answer in the EU General Court cases concerning Banks Mellat and Saderat. We welcome, and support, the unanimous decision of the EU member states to appeal in those cases. Asset freezes against these, and all other entities designated under the EU Iran sanctions regime, remain in place.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the progress on meeting the benchmarks of (1) the ending of conflict in Burma, (2) improved humanitarian assistance, in particular in Kachin and along the eastern border, and (3) addressing the status and wellbeing of the Rohingyas, as set...
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the progress on meeting the benchmarks of (1) the ending of conflict in Burma, (2) improved humanitarian assistance, in particular in Kachin and along the eastern border, and (3) addressing the status and wellbeing of the Rohingyas, as set...
In April 2012, the EU suspended all sanctions on Burma, with the exception of the arms embargo and the restrictions on equipment which could be used for internal repression. This was in recognition of the positive progress against EU benchmarks as laid out in Council Conclusions of January 2012. In addition, the EU Council Conclusions of 23 April 2012 committed to respond positively to further progress and set out clearly that the EU expected the unconditional release of remaining political prisoners and looked forward to the end of conflict and substantially improved access for humanitarian assistance—in particular in Kachin—as well as to addressing the status and improving the welfare of the Rohingya.
There has been further progress. Many more political prisoners have been released. Despite an escalation in the conflict in Kachin at the end of last year, tentative discussions between the Government and ethnic groups
are continuing. We hope that these discussions, along with the Burmese Government’s existing reconciliation efforts, will be successful. There have also been some improvements in humanitarian access to conflict areas. However, some new issues have arisen since last April. The outbreaks of violence in Rakhine State have led to a grave humanitarian situation, and the recent violence in Meiktila points to a troubling trend. We are seriously concerned about persecution of minority religions. The Government in Napyidaw need to make further progress on the rule of law, transparency and accountability.
It is in this wider context that the EU will review sanctions on Burma. The Foreign Affairs Council’s decision on 22 April will be a marker for both how far Burma has come and where challenges remain.
Whatever the outcome of the April decision, which is contingent on securing unanimity, we want the EU to strengthen its future engagement with Burma, to catalyse deeper, irreversible reform and to use its collective influence for forward-looking collaboration with Burma on human rights, responsible trade, development, electoral and constitutional reform. We will argue for an EU policy framework which sets out how we will both work with the Burmese Government and encourage them to address the many challenges that they face.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the United Nations Security Council about the lifting of the arms embargo on Somalia and the effect on security in Somalia of such a decision.
[148540]
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the United Nations Security Council about the lifting of the arms embargo on Somalia and the effect on security in Somalia of such a decision.
[148540]
The UK has been at the forefront of international efforts to support peace and security in Somalia, including through leading negotiations on Somalia in the UN Security Council (UNSC). UNSC Resolution 2093 authorised a time-limited, 12 month, partial suspension of the arms embargo for the Federal Government of Somalia to acquire equipment, advice and assistance for the development of their security forces. As a member of the Security Council, the UK supported this resolution. We support the right of sovereign countries to defend themselves and build their security forces. This is urgently needed in Somalia. However, it is essential that Somalia's security is not jeopardised. To ensure this, several safeguards have been put in place, including the continuation of robust restrictions on heavy weaponry as well as notification requirements and monitoring mechanisms. We will follow the situation closely and the UNSC will review the situation over the coming year.
Last weekend, the Foreign Secretary said that there was a strong case for lifting or amending the arms embargo on Syria in the months ahead. Given that no decision was taken at the EU Council, does it remain the Prime Minister’s intention to seek a relaxation of the EU arms embargo?
Last weekend, the Foreign Secretary said that there was a strong case for lifting or amending the arms embargo on Syria in the months ahead. Given that no decision was taken at the EU Council, does it remain the Prime Minister’s intention to seek a relaxation of the EU arms embargo?
First of all, let us look at what we have already achieved in terms of amending the arms embargo. We asked specifically for it to be changed so that we could give technical support to the opposition. We have achieved that, but the French President and I discussed at the European Council looking for further changes to the arms embargo, which will be discussed by Foreign Affairs Ministers this weekend. The reason for that is twofold. First, that the arms embargo still applies pretty much equally to this hateful regime and to the opposition, who we now recognise as legitimate representatives of the Syrian people, sends a peculiar message. Secondly, the French President and I are concerned that we should not be restricted for months and months ahead when we do not know exactly what could happen in Syria—there are very worrying reports of the use of chemical weapons.
First of all, let us look at what we have already achieved in terms of amending the arms embargo. We asked specifically for it to be changed so that we could give technical support to the opposition. We have achieved that, but the French President and I discussed at the European Council looking for further changes to the arms embargo, which will be discussed by Foreign Affairs Ministers this weekend. The reason for that is twofold. First, that the arms embargo still applies pretty much equally to this hateful regime and to the opposition, who we now recognise as legitimate representatives of the Syrian people, sends a peculiar message. Secondly, the French President and I are concerned that we should not be restricted for months and months ahead when we do not know exactly what could happen in Syria—there are very worrying reports of the use of chemical weapons.
First of all, let us look at what we have already achieved in terms of amending the arms embargo. We asked specifically for it to be changed so that we could give technical support to the opposition. We have achieved that, but the French President and I discussed at the European Council looking for further changes to the arms embargo, which will be discussed by Foreign Affairs Ministers this weekend. The reason for that is twofold. First, that the arms embargo still applies pretty much equally to this hateful regime and to the opposition, who we now recognise as legitimate representatives of the Syrian people, sends a peculiar message. Secondly, the French President and I are concerned that we should not be restricted for months and months ahead when we do not know exactly what could happen in Syria—there are very worrying reports of the use of chemical weapons.
Last weekend, the Foreign Secretary said that there was a strong case for lifting or amending the arms embargo on Syria in the months ahead. Given that no decision was taken at the EU Council, does it remain the Prime Minister’s intention to seek a relaxation of the EU arms embargo?
I thank the Prime Minister for that answer. Obviously, everybody is appalled by the actions of the Assad regime, but the Prime Minister will know that there is not only a lack of unity among Syrian opposition groups, but the known presence on the
ground in Syria of al-Nusra, the al-Qaeda backed terrorist organisation. Does he therefore understand the widespread concern that remains about the idea of seeking to supply weapons to the rebels?
I thank the Prime Minister for that answer. Obviously, everybody is appalled by the actions of the Assad regime, but the Prime Minister will know that there is not only a lack of unity among Syrian opposition groups, but the known presence on the
ground in Syria of al-Nusra, the al-Qaeda backed terrorist organisation. Does he therefore understand the widespread concern that remains about the idea of seeking to supply weapons to the rebels?
The Leader of the Opposition puts the point absolutely rightly. There is widespread concern about the nature of the opposition. The argument we must engage in is this: are we more likely to help the good elements of the opposition by standing back, or are we more likely to help by getting in there and shaping and giving that technical assistance, so that we can play a part in building up the Syrian opposition, so that they are a legitimate and credible alternative to this hateful regime?
It is worth recalling—we should all recall it—the fact that current policies are not working for the people of Syria. Seventy thousand people are dead and this hateful regime is still in place.
The Leader of the Opposition puts the point absolutely rightly. There is widespread concern about the nature of the opposition. The argument we must engage in is this: are we more likely to help the good elements of the opposition by standing back, or are we more likely to help by getting in there and shaping and giving that technical assistance, so that we can play a part in building up the Syrian opposition, so that they are a legitimate and credible alternative to this hateful regime?
It is worth recalling—we should all recall it—the fact that current policies are not working for the people of Syria. Seventy thousand people are dead and this hateful regime is still in place.
The Leader of the Opposition puts the point absolutely rightly. There is widespread concern about the nature of the opposition. The argument we must engage in is this: are we more likely to help the good elements of the opposition by standing back, or are we more likely to help by getting in there and shaping and giving that technical assistance, so that we can play a part in building up the Syrian opposition, so that they are a legitimate and credible alternative to this hateful regime?
It is worth recalling—we should all recall it—the fact that current policies are not working for the people of Syria. Seventy thousand people are dead and this hateful regime is still in place.
I thank the Prime Minister for that answer. Obviously, everybody is appalled by the actions of the Assad regime, but the Prime Minister will know that there is not only a lack of unity among Syrian opposition groups, but the known presence on the
ground in Syria of al-Nusra, the al-Qaeda backed terrorist organisation. Does he therefore understand the widespread concern that remains about the idea of seeking to supply weapons to the rebels?
The Prime Minister is absolutely right that the current situation is terrible; we just must not make it worse with the actions that we take. The spokesman for the UN Secretary-General has said that the introduction of more weapons into Syria is “counterproductive” and will not lead to a solution. Special Representative Brahimi recently called for a renewed diplomatic initiative to bring the warring parties to the negotiating table. Will the Prime Minister set out what steps the UK Government, specifically, are taking to support the UN in advancing that initiative?
The Prime Minister is absolutely right that the current situation is terrible; we just must not make it worse with the actions that we take. The spokesman for the UN Secretary-General has said that the introduction of more weapons into Syria is “counterproductive” and will not lead to a solution. Special Representative Brahimi recently called for a renewed diplomatic initiative to bring the warring parties to the negotiating table. Will the Prime Minister set out what steps the UK Government, specifically, are taking to support the UN in advancing that initiative?
We are taking specific steps to help the UN with this vital initiative. Trying to achieve a diplomatic solution, with transition at the top of the regime, is worth while. That is why we have had detailed talks with the Russian Foreign and Defence Ministers in the past week. I would just make one other point about the arms embargo. Sitting in the European Council chamber, I felt that there was a slight similarity between some of the arguments being made about not putting more weapons into Syria and the discussions we had on Bosnia, with the appalling events that followed. In my view, it is better to be engaged and working with the Syrian opposition and trying to bring this conflict to an end.
We are taking specific steps to help the UN with this vital initiative. Trying to achieve a diplomatic solution, with transition at the top of the regime, is worth while. That is why we have had detailed talks with the Russian Foreign and Defence Ministers in the past week. I would just make one other point about the arms embargo. Sitting in the European Council chamber, I felt that there was a slight similarity between some of the arguments being made about not putting more weapons into Syria and the discussions we had on Bosnia, with the appalling events that followed. In my view, it is better to be engaged and working with the Syrian opposition and trying to bring this conflict to an end.
We are taking specific steps to help the UN with this vital initiative. Trying to achieve a diplomatic solution, with transition at the top of the regime, is worth while. That is why we have had detailed talks with the Russian Foreign and Defence Ministers in the past week. I would just make one other point about the arms embargo. Sitting in the European Council chamber, I felt that there was a slight similarity between some of the arguments being made about not putting more weapons into Syria and the discussions we had on Bosnia, with the appalling events that followed. In my view, it is better to be engaged and working with the Syrian opposition and trying to bring this conflict to an end.
The Prime Minister is absolutely right that the current situation is terrible; we just must not make it worse with the actions that we take. The spokesman for the UN Secretary-General has said that the introduction of more weapons into Syria is “counterproductive” and will not lead to a solution. Special Representative Brahimi recently called for a renewed diplomatic initiative to bring the warring parties to the negotiating table. Will the Prime Minister set out what steps the UK Government, specifically, are taking to support the UN in advancing that initiative?
I attended the European Council meeting held in Brussels on 14 and 15 March. The discussions focused on economic issues and growth and the situation in Syria. I also set out the three key economic issues of tax, transparency
and trade; and the issues around terrorism that the UK will...
I attended the European Council meeting held in Brussels on 14 and 15 March. The discussions focused on economic issues and growth and the situation in Syria. I also set out the three key economic issues of tax, transparency
and trade; and the issues around terrorism that the UK will...
My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs attended the Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) and I attended the General Affairs Council (GAC) in Brussels on 11 March. The FAC was chaired by the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy,...
My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs attended the Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) and I attended the General Affairs Council (GAC) in Brussels on 11 March. The FAC was chaired by the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy,...
My right honourable friend the Prime Minister has made the following Written Ministerial Statement.
I attended the European Council meeting held in Brussels on 14-15 March. The discussions focused on economic issues and growth and the situation in Syria. I also set out the three key economic issues of tax, transparency...
My right honourable friend the Prime Minister has made the following Written Ministerial Statement.
I attended the European Council meeting held in Brussels on 14-15 March. The discussions focused on economic issues and growth and the situation in Syria. I also set out the three key economic issues of tax, transparency...
My right honourable friend the Minister of State for Europe (David Lidington) has made the following Written Ministerial Statement.
My right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs attended the Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) and I attended the General Affairs Council (GAC) in Brussels on 11 March....
My right honourable friend the Minister of State for Europe (David Lidington) has made the following Written Ministerial Statement.
My right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs attended the Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) and I attended the General Affairs Council (GAC) in Brussels on 11 March....
Paragraph 38 of Schedule 7 to the Counter-Terrorism Act 2008 requires the Treasury to report to Parliament after each calendar year in which a direction under the schedule is at any time in force. This report provides details of the Treasury’s exercise of its functions under Schedule 7 during the...
Paragraph 38 of Schedule 7 to the Counter-Terrorism Act 2008 requires the Treasury to report to Parliament after each calendar year in which a direction under the schedule is at any time in force. This report provides details of the Treasury’s exercise of its functions under Schedule 7 during the...