Lammy says UK in ‘Diplomatic Contact’ with the New Syrian Regime
There is ongoing debate among Western governments on how to handle Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a group that is banned in the UK and other countries due to its ties to al-Qaeda.
Confirming that the UK has engaged in “diplomatic contact” with the Islamist group HTS, Foreign Secretary David Lammy stated that the government will utilize available channels to communicate with HTS, despite its designation as a terrorist group in the UK for its links to al-Qaeda.
Lammy emphasized the desire for a representative and inclusive government, as well as the importance of securing and preventing the use of chemical weapons, and ending ongoing violence.
Addressing HTS rebels who seized control of Syria, Lammy stated that using diplomatic and intelligence-led channels, the government aims to engage with HTS as necessary.
Proscribed Organisation
HTS took over Syria on Dec. 8 after a prolonged civil war triggered by the 2011 Arab Spring.
Recent discussions among Western governments revolve around how to approach HTS, a banned organization in the UK and other nations.
Last week, there was some uncertainty regarding the government’s stance on handling HTS, with Cabinet minister Pat McFadden suggesting the need for a prompt decision on the matter.
…
