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<p>As part of our efforts to counter the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL),
and find a solution to the problems of Iraq and Syria we are encouraging cooperation
and engaging with countries across the region. On 10 November the UK convened a meeting
of the Core Group of the Friends of Syria which includes Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Turkey.
We reaffirmed our commitment to a genuine political transition in co-operation with
the UN Special Envoy; supporting the National Coalition to deliver services and protect
the Syrian people; and strengthening measures against the Syrian regime including
restricting its access to oil and military hardware. Alongside Foreign Ministers from
the region, including Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Egypt, the Secretary of State for Foreign
and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Runnymede and Weybridge
(Mr Hammond), attended an international conference on peace and security in Iraq in
Paris in September 2014. We continue to encourage governments throughout the region
to support Prime Minister al-Abadi in his efforts to promote inclusive governance
and advance the national reconciliation process. <br><br>Iran has an important role
to play in the region and we have an ongoing dialogue on regional issues as part of
our engagement via non-resident Chargé d’Affaires. The Prime Minister, my right hon.
Friend the Member for Witney (Mr Cameron), also discussed regional issues with President
Rouhani on 24 September 2014. In Iraq, Iran’s support for the new government is welcome,
as is its effort to promote more inclusive governance for all Iraqis. We are open
to discussing Syria with Iran and raise the issue in our contacts with them. Iran
can and must play a constructive role.</p>
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