Makhlouf: WFP’s announcement of ending its food aid program in Syria a deviation from its path towards politicization 

Chairman of the Supreme Relief Committee, Minister of Local Administration and Environment, Hussain Makhlouf on Thursday met with Country Director and Representative of the World Food Program (WFP) in Syria Kenneth Crossley to clarify the program’s announcement through the media about the end of the general food aid program in Syria in January 2024 due to the lack of funding.

Makhalouf expressed the Syrian Arab Republic’s dissatisfaction with this announcement without prior coordination, which shows a deviation of the path of the program towards the politicization of the programs of the humanitarian aid provided to the Syria people, and it aims at joining the parties that seek putting more pressure on the Syrian people. Makhlouf stressed his reservation about stopping the food aid amid the increase in the number of people in need in the country.

Makhlouf explained that the difficult conditions that the Syrian people are going through have been caused by the terrorist war, the economic blockade and the theft of the oil and wheat by the Turkish and American occupiers as well as the terrorist and separatist groups, especially since many citizens depend on the sustainability of the food aid provided by the program.

The minister expressed his hope that the program would review its decision regarding the food aid, and reach a more objective and humane approach to maintain the continuation of providing aid to the largest number of people in need.

In turn, Kenneth promised to deliver the message to the program management and to make efforts and provide solutions to continue providing humanitarian aid to the Syrian people.

Souha Suleiman