This week at the Foreign Office
A look at the work of the Foreign Office and its embassies overseas this week.
This week Libya continued to be the main focus as coalition forces took action to implement UN Security Council Resolution 1973 which authorised military action to put in place a no-fly zone.
Libya coverage this week:
Monday 21 March
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Foreign Secretary on Qadhafi: “We will judge him by his actions, not his words” Tuesday 22 March
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MPs back Libya action Wednesday 23 March
- Cameron and Obama discuss key role of Nato in Libya
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Foreign Secretary announces London conference on Libya Thursday 24 March
- Foreign Secretary: International community will not stand by and watch Qadhafi regime kill civilians
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Prime Minister attends European Council Friday 25 March
- NATO to enforce Libya no-fly zone
Foreign Secretary William Hague said “ Britain stands ready to work with African countries every step of the way” in a speech to the The Times CEO Summit Africa.
He welcomed the step taken by the EU to impose sanctions against human rights violators in Iran.
On Tuesday President Karzai announced that the first phase of security transition in Afghanistan has started. The Foreign Secretary and Defence Secretary Liam Fox welcomed the announcement saying “The UK and our ISAF partners remain committed to respecting Afghan sovereignty and working together to ensure Afghanistan never again becomes an operating base for international terrorism”.
Foreign Office Minister Jeremy Browne said he was “delighted” that 80 countries signed a UN statement on “ Ending acts of violence and related human rights violations based on sexual orientation & gender identity” at the Human Rights Council.
Minister for Europe David Lidington highlighted the role of UK - Germany trade relations in building prosperity and growth in Europe when speaking at an even hosted by German Industry UK.
In a speech to a Wilton Park conference in Istanbul, Lord Howell spoke about Turkey’s role as a key regional and global power.
Our latest See Britain film, former Pakistani cricketer and England Cricket Team spin bowling coach Mushtaq Ahmed discusses why he has enjoyed living and working in the UK.
British Ambassador to the US Nigel Sheinwald told an audience of business leaders in New Orleans today that UK-Louisiana trade ties provide crucial jobs and prosperity, but more can be done to expand this relationship and drive economic growth.