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<p>We remain concerned about the significant number of UK nationals becoming involved
in terrorist groups. Since the conflict in Syria began, over 500 individuals have
travelled to fight from the UK. Our priority is to dissuade people from travelling
to areas of conflict in the first place, and to identify and dissuade individuals
at risk of radicalisation.</p><p>We are working closely with allies, partners in the
region and through the UN and EU on counter-terrorism priorities. We have had extensive
discussions with the opposition Syrian National Coalition on the threat of extremism,
including the role of UK nationals. We welcome their rejection of terrorism and their
consistent condemnation of terrorist acts, as well as their commitment to upholding
international human rights and humanitarian law. We are supporting the moderate opposition
in Syria who are leading the fight against both the regime and wider extremism, including
ISIL.</p><p>The Prime Minister called the Iraq Prime Minister PM Designate, Dr Haidar
al-Abadi, and President Massoud Barzani of the Kurdistan Regional Government on 13
August to show UK support for Dr al-Abadi’s efforts to form a new government and encourage
cooperation between Baghdad and Erbil. Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State Tobias
Ellwood and Secretary of State for International Development Justine Greening visited
Baghdad and Erbil on 26-27 August. In Baghdad they met President Fuad Masoum, Prime
Minister-designate al-Abadi and Speaker Salman al-Jibouri, all of whom were clear
that early progress on the formation of a new government is critical to progress in
tackling the challenge Iraq faces from ISIL, and all of whom welcomed UK support.</p><p>The
Foreign Secretary discussed the issue of foreign fighters with the Egyptian Foreign
Minister in Cairo on 24 July, and Mr Ellwood discussed the regional security situation,
including Iraq and Syria, with the Secretary General of the Arab League and the Egyptian
Assistant Minister for Europe in Cairo on 25 August.</p><p> </p><p> </p>
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