Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking to support (a) public institutions and (b) the civil service in Syria.

The UK has been at the forefront of the response to the fast moving events in Syria, speaking regularly to regional and other partners about the situation. These early discussions have focused on protecting civilians, including minorities, and moving quickly to a political transition. The UK stands ready to support a transition process that leads to credible, inclusive, and non-sectarian governance that ensures respect for the rule of law, universal human rights, the protection of all Syrians, transparency and accountability. We are urging all those seeking a role in governing Syria to prevent the collapse of state institutions.