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<p>We have provided more than £20 million this year to support the moderate opposition,
including the National Coalition who we recognise as the sole legitimate representatives
of the Syrian people. In May this year the then Secretary of State for Foreign and
Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague),
laid a written ministerial statement before Parliament announcing the lifting of the
temporary hold on gifting to the Supreme Military Council and the intention to resume
delivery of £1 million of non-lethal equipment as soon as is practical. Recipients
of this assistance have been carefully selected to prevent equipment being given to
those involved in extremist activities or human rights violations. The UK is not supplying
weapons to anybody in Syria. <br><br>The equipment we provide, including to the armed
opposition groups, has undergone intense scrutiny to ensure that we are providing
the best possible support and that we meet all our national and international obligations.
The equipment has been scrutinised to ensure its provision is consistent with export
controls under the Consolidated EU and National Arms Export Licensing Criteria and
EU restrictions on the provision of goods to Syria (as agreed by Member States on
27 May 2013). <br><br>We have also supported the opposition’s political umbrella group,
the National Coalition, with advisory and practical support. This has included strategic
communications advice, and advice on internal governance arrangements. We have also
supported the National Coalition’s delivery arm, the Interim Government, as they expand
their plans to deliver services in opposition-held areas inside Syria. We have also
funded a range of projects in support of civil society and activist groups both inside
and outside Syria, which have included those documenting human rights abuses. The
then Foreign Secretary announced in May that we would spend £30 million in support
to the Syrian opposition and to bolster regional security.</p>
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