UK Pledges £50 Million Aid to Syria Amid Diplomatic Contact with Rebel Group
The United Kingdom has pledged £50 million in international aid to support Syrians during their time of need. This announcement was made by David Lammy, Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Affairs.
According to Sky News, the UK government has also acknowledged engaging in “diplomatic contact” with the rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which ousted Bashar al-Assad’s regime in parts of Syria.
When asked about the UK’s interactions with HTS, Mr. Lammy confirmed the engagement, stating:
“HTS remains a proscribed organisation, but we can have diplomatic contact, and so we do, as you would expect.”
He emphasised that the UK’s primary goal is to support a transition to a more inclusive government in Syria while ensuring peace and stability.
“We want to see a representative government, an inclusive government running the country,” Mr. Lammy explained.
The UK is also keen on securing chemical weapons stockpiles to prevent their use and minimising violence in the region.
“To achieve these objectives, we are utilising all available diplomatic and intelligence-led channels to engage with HTS where necessary,” he added.
About HTS
Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, previously affiliated with al-Qaeda as the Nusra Front, is classified as a terrorist group by the UK, US, Russia, and Turkey. Its founder, Ahmad al-Sharaa, known as Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, severed ties with al-Qaeda in 2016 to project a more moderate stance.
Similar US Contact with HTS
In a related development, the US government also acknowledged diplomatic contact with HTS, a significant shift in its stance. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, in a recent statement, confirmed talks with the group, marking the first such public admission by the Biden administration.
Despite its classification as a “foreign terrorist organisation” since 2018, the US justified the interaction as a measure to address ongoing instability in Syria.
UK’s Aid Commitment
The £50 million aid package underscores the UK’s commitment to humanitarian support in Syria. It aims to alleviate the suffering of millions displaced and impacted by years of conflict.
This financial pledge, combined with strategic diplomatic efforts, highlights the UK’s broader approach to fostering stability and promoting peace in the war-torn region.