Syria: Aleppo Ceasefire

Lord Selkirk of Douglas Excerpts

Thursday 15th September 2016 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Goldie]

The United Kingdom Government have made clear that the stable and peaceful future of Syria depends on fundamental changes taking place in that country. Our position is that we consider the presence of President Assad to be unhelpful in that process. We think there has to be a transition to another regime and that, ultimately, he cannot be a part of that new regime. As I have said previously in the House, his presence is divisive and distracting.

[Lord Selkirk of Douglas (Con)]

Can my noble friend say to what extent the Government of Turkey are facilitating urgent humanitarian aid?

[Baroness Goldie]

Turkey is an important ally in these matters, and that is an important relationship. All the parties to the International Syria Support Group, of which Turkey is one, are doing their best to make a contribution.