Asked by: Rupa Huq (Labour - Ealing Central and Acton)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps she is taking to support de-escalation between the Syrian transitional Government and the Syrian Democratic Forces.
Answered by Hamish Falconer - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
The UK welcomes the announcement of a ceasefire in Aleppo between the Syrian Government and the Syrian Democratic Forces. We are concerned by reports of further violence. It is vital that all parties now focus on de-escalation, the protection of civilians, and a return to dialogue. We continue to engage with both sides, as well as regional and international partners, in support of the ceasefire and the resumption of negotiations to deliver a lasting political settlement.