- UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy confirmed that the UK has had “diplomatic contact” with HTS, the rebel group that recently toppled Bashar Assad’s regime in Syria
- Lammy emphasized that HTS remains a proscribed terrorist organization in the UK, but “as you would expect” the government has spoken to the group
- The diplomatic contact does not mean the UK has lifted its designation of HTS as a terrorist group. Rather, it indicates the UK is engaging with the group to address certain issues
- Lammy said the UK seeks to “deal with HTS where we have to” using diplomatic and intelligence channels, aiming for a representative government, securing chemical weapons, and preventing ongoing violence
- The UK announced £50 million in humanitarian aid for vulnerable Syrians, including refugees in the region
- This comes after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed that the US had made “direct contact” with HTS
- The UK and other countries have agreed on principles for supporting a Syrian-led transitional political process, including a non-sectarian government, human rights protection, and combating terrorism