Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of reports that Ali Mamlouk, Director of the Syrian National Security Bureau, visited Rome in January in contravention of EU sanctions; what representations they have made to the government of Italy in that regard; and whether Mr Mamlouk has made any visit to the UK since being placed on the list of EU restrictive measures.

We are aware of reports alleging that Ali Mamlouk, the Director of the Syrian National Security Bureau, visited Rome in January. The UK takes seriously the need to ensure EU sanctions are robustly enforced and we have raised our concern with Italian officials. Ali Mamlouk has not made any visit to the UK since being designated under EU sanctions in 2011.