Moallem, Naif Met with ICRC Chief on Continued Cooperation

 DAMASCUS,(ST)_ Deputy Premier and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates

Walid al-Moallem , today discussed with Peter Maurer head of the International Committee of the Red Cross ICRC and members of the accompanying delegation cooperation relations between the ICRC, the Syrian government and the Syrian Red Crescent in the light of the crisis in Syria .

Al-Moallem emphasized Syria ‘s government full and continued cooperation with the ICRC for the success of its mission to deliver humanitarian assistance to all Syrian civilians in need without discrimination, despite the violations and crimes committed by armed terrorist groups to hamper the delivery process.

For his part, Maurer praised the existing cooperation relations between ICRC and the Syrian government and the Red Crescent to facilitate the work of the organization and commended Syria ‘s determination to speed up procedures relating to ICRC work and provide all possible facilities for the success of its mission , stressing coordination with the Syrian authorities and the Syrian Red Crescent in the efforts to improve the humanitarian situation and overcome impeding obstacles .

Meantime, Minister of Health Dr. Saad Naif stressed during a meeting with Maurer today, the necessity of activating the work of international organizations in Syria to cope up with the crisis Syria is facing , especially in areas besieged by armed terrorist groups including Nobol, al-Zahraa and Adra cities where these groups prevent the deployment of food, and medical aids, resulted in deterioration of citizens health conditions in general and women and children and the elderly in particular.

The Minister called on the ICRC to speed up activity  response, noting that the ministry has enlisted humanitarian requirements since nine months , but did not get any of them so far , despite promises.

The minister presented damages inflected on the health sector as a result of targeting its institutions by terrorist groups, asserting that the health situation is stable despite the challenges and difficulties and continues to provide medical services free to all citizens .
Maurer expressed concern about the impact of the crisis on civilians and health services sector and the ICRC inability to enter some hot spots and thus not being able to deliver medical aid and food to its civilians.

He stressed the need of work integration between the ICRC and the Ministry to gain access to all areas , particularly the most in need of help, noting that the ICRC ” is always keen to work within the legal framework , but providing medical aid to all civilians requires all parties involved to think and act in a realistic , impartial , transparent and more flexible manner.

T. Fateh