Britain will send its international development minister to Syria within weeks as it considers lifting sanctions on the country, The National can reveal.
Anneliese Dodds is expected to go to Damascus as the UK plays a significant role in the rehabilitation of Syria and seeks to establish a permanent diplomatic presence after a decade of civil war.
The National reported on Wednesday that Jonathan Powell, the UK's National Security Adviser, had held low-key meetings with the new Syrian administration, which suggested he could play a leading role in the diplomacy.
The arrival of the first British minister since Hayat Tahrir Al Sham toppled the Bashar Al Assad regime in December will be seen as significant in helping the country get back on its feet.
Syrian figures from the UK diaspora have already had an influence on the nascent government of acting president Ahmad Al Shara, with some playing a role in the administration.
The British government will consider partially lifting sanctions that “would be helpful in securing the inclusive transitional process”, a western official told The National.
These areas include energy, transport and finance. If the Syrians can prove the restrictions are preventing them from helping the country recover, the UK will “actively consider lifting those sanctions”, sources have said. The European Union is set to lift some sanctions on Syria on Monday.
Britain’s embassy in Damascus, abandoned in 2012, is derelict, so officials are attempting to find a new site. It is understood that a significant effort is under way by the UK Foreign Office to create a permanent diplomatic presence in Damascus, including security and other support.
Mr Al Shara’s administration will also have to demonstrate continued inclusivity of Syria’s many minorities. Britain will then probably send Ms Dodds to Damascus in the coming weeks and certainly before Easter, in mid-April. She is likely to announce a significant development aid package.
Another key caveat is for continued evidence that Syria has secured the Assad regime’s deadly chemical weapons stockpiles and to allow international agencies access to ensure they do not fall into terrorists' hands.
“As long as the Syrians continue to show progress there will be an inward visit by a British minister,” the western source said.
While foreign ministers from France and Germany have visited, it is understood Britain’s Foreign Secretary David Lammy is unlikely to do so until it is clear Mr Al Shara has a fully inclusive and functioning government.
Defence review at a glance
• Increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027 but given “turbulent times it may be necessary to go faster”
• Prioritise a shift towards working with AI and autonomous systems
• Invest in the resilience of military space systems.
• Number of active reserves should be increased by 20%
• More F-35 fighter jets required in the next decade
• New “hybrid Navy” with AUKUS submarines and autonomous vessels
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
JERSEY INFO
Red Jersey
General Classification: worn daily, starting from Stage 2, by the leader of the General Classification by time.
Green Jersey
Points Classification: worn daily, starting from Stage 2, by the fastest sprinter, who has obtained the best positions in each stage and intermediate sprints.
White Jersey
Young Rider Classification: worn daily, starting from Stage 2, by the best young rider born after January 1, 1995 in the overall classification by time (U25).
Black Jersey
Intermediate Sprint Classification: worn daily, starting from Stage 2, by the rider who has gained the most Intermediate Sprint Points.
VEZEETA PROFILE
Date started: 2012
Founder: Amir Barsoum
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: HealthTech / MedTech
Size: 300 employees
Funding: $22.6 million (as of September 2018)
Investors: Technology Development Fund, Silicon Badia, Beco Capital, Vostok New Ventures, Endeavour Catalyst, Crescent Enterprises’ CE-Ventures, Saudi Technology Ventures and IFC
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
Zayed Sustainability Prize
UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions
Easter%20Sunday
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PROFILE OF CURE.FIT
Started: July 2016
Founders: Mukesh Bansal and Ankit Nagori
Based: Bangalore, India
Sector: Health & wellness
Size: 500 employees
Investment: $250 million
Investors: Accel, Oaktree Capital (US); Chiratae Ventures, Epiq Capital, Innoven Capital, Kalaari Capital, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Piramal Group’s Anand Piramal, Pratithi Investment Trust, Ratan Tata (India); and Unilever Ventures (Unilever’s global venture capital arm)
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
What are the GCSE grade equivalents?
- Grade 9 = above an A*
- Grade 8 = between grades A* and A
- Grade 7 = grade A
- Grade 6 = just above a grade B
- Grade 5 = between grades B and C
- Grade 4 = grade C
- Grade 3 = between grades D and E
- Grade 2 = between grades E and F
- Grade 1 = between grades F and G
UAE v Gibraltar
What: International friendly
When: 7pm kick off
Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City
Admission: Free
Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page
UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)
