Lord Kerr of Kinlochard
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Syria
Lord Kerr of Kinlochard Excerpts(1 day, 18 hours ago)
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Lord Collins of Highbury (Lab)
The noble Earl is absolutely right. We are concerned about increased tensions, particularly in northern Syria, and the impact those may have on civilians and stability in the region. So we are in regular contact with Turkey and the Syrian Democratic Forces. Our priority is constantly to focus on de-escalation.
Lord Kerr of Kinlochard (CB)
Would it not be easier to monitor and, one would hope, influence developments in Syria if we were to reopen the embassy now?
Lord Collins of Highbury (Lab)
What we need to do is constantly evaluate the situation. As I have mentioned twice already, we have a special envoy there—she was in Damascus last week—and we will continue to evaluate the situation so that we can ensure that, when that transition into a more permanent solution or more permanent Government happens, we will consider what the noble Lord asks for.