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<p>The UN Al Qaeda Sanctions regime sets out the international legal framework. It
makes clear that ransom payments to terrorist organisations are illegal. All UN Member
States are bound by this. We are unable to comment on reports of ransom payments by
other countries. <br><br>The UK policy position is clear. We do not pay ransoms or
make any other substantive concessions to terrorists. Ransom payments strengthen terrorist
groups and encourage them to carry out further kidnaps. This is why the UK has also
led the drive to secure agreement on the principle of not paying ransoms. Under UK
Presidency in 2013 the G8 made an unequivocal commitment to reject ransom payments
to terrorists. The UK also secured the first standalone UN Security Council Resolution
(UNSCR) on tackling terrorist ransom payments, which was unanimously adopted in January
2014, as UNSCR 2133.</p>
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