Al-Halqi Debates with WFP’s Executive Director Aid Work in 2014

DAMASCUS,(ST)_Prime Minister has affirmed the government’s readiness to augment allocations to rapid response plan to be implemented in Syria in 2014, noting that what have been implemented last year did not meet the needs of citizens affected by the armed terrorist groups’ acts.

Dr. Wael al-Halqi clarified that 43% of allocations to the 2013 plan, USD 1.2 billion, were only spent and the World Food Program’s  aid did not reach all areas due to the armed terrorist groups’ attacks on the aid convoys.

His remark was made on Thursday as he met with the Executive Director of the World Food Program Ertharin Cousin.

The premier, according to the official news agency, said that the government’s disposition to deliver humanitarian, food and medical aid to all citizens affected by the terrorist groups in all areas is based on ethical and legal duties.

He noted that the government is boosting the national economy to confront the unjust embargo and economic war against the Syrian people. 

Systematic escalation

Al-Halqi also declared that the number of displaced and affected citizens inside Syria roughly reached the tune of 6.000.000 as a result of the armed terrorist groups’ systematic escalation before the convention of the Geneva-2-conference.

He asserted that some countries release false numbers about the affected people outside Syria [refugees] for economic and political purposes.

Al-Halqi underlined the necessity of cooperation between the international organizations and the Syrian Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO) to meet citizens’ needs.

Cousin praises government’ Rapid response

For her part, the WFP’s executive director highly appreciated the government’s rapid response to the implementation of the program’s plan. “The government has facilitated the delivery of aid to those in need,” she said.

Also,Cousin has separately met with the Foreign and Expatriates Minister Walid al-Mouallem and Social Affairs Minister Dr. Kinda al-Shammat and discussed with them the WFP’s work in Syria.

Basma Qaddour