British FM Hague says Syria the worst conflict and biggest humanitarian disaster so far of the 21st

Описание: (30 Jan 2014) Britain's Foreign Secretary William Hague said on Thursday that the war in Syria was the worst conflict and the biggest humanitarian disaster so far in the 21st century.
Speaking in the Philippines capital Manila on Thursday, Hague said the conflict "engages the whole of Europe, which we are all involved in working on."
"It is on Europe's doorstep and provides sadly threats to the national security of European nations, including the United Kingdom," he added.
Hague's comments came after a meeting with Philippine President Benigno Aquino III and Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert Del Rosario during a one-day visit to Manila.
Hague also commented on an ongoing territorial dispute between the Philippines and China, saying such issues must be "peacefully resolved in accordance with international law in a rules-based system."
Both Beijing and Manila claim sovereignty over Scarborough Shoal, known in China as Huangyan Island - a group of tiny uninhabited rocks off the northern Philippine island of Luzon.
Hague said the UK government did not take a view on the "underlying sovereignty claims".
During his visit, Hague is also expected to discuss the UK's participation in the reconstruction programme for communities affected by Typhoon Haiyan.
The UK is one of the biggest donors in providing humanitarian aid and relief.
The UK's Disaster Emergency Committee - a group of 14 leading aid charities - appealed to the British public to raise funds after the storm hit.
Haiyan - known as Yolanda in the Philippines - killed more than 6,100 people and left nearly 1,800 others missing in November 2013.


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