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<p>The humanitarian reports from Iraq, Syria and elsewhere in the region are deeply
concerning. The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and associated armed groups
continue to commit atrocities against Muslims, Christians, Yezidis, Turkmen and other
communities throughout the areas under their control. We condemn any and all abuses
of human rights, including those against Christians.</p><p>We are working closely
with our international partners, including in the region, to try to assist and protect
civilians - including Christians - from ISIL through a long-term, comprehensive strategy
to degrade and defeat this terrorist organisation.</p><p>This strategy is being delivered
by a large international coalition, where UK actions complement, and are coordinated
with, those of other actors. It has security, political and humanitarian dimensions.
For example, in Iraq, we are carrying out airstrikes against ISIL and are providing
military assistance to the Kurdish Peshmerga forces so that they can restore control
over the areas taken by ISIL. In Syria, we support military action by the US and five
Arab states against ISIL; we are supporting the Syrian moderate opposition, who are
fighting ISIL; and we continue to work for a political transition: when it comes to
tackling ISIL, Assad is part of the problem, not part of the solution. In Lebanon,
we continue to press for the election of a President, strengthen municipalities and
support the Lebanese Armed Forces reassert state authority in their border regions
On the humanitarian front, we continue to provide swift and substantial assistance
to those who have fled areas controlled by ISIL, including air drops to deliver aid
to those trapped by ISIL. On the diplomatic front, at the Human Rights Council in
September we, alongside our international partners, secured a resolution strongly
condemning ISIL and stressing the need for accountability.</p>
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