UN official: Relation with authorities in Damascus constantly improving

The UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Tom Fletcher, confirmed that the relation with the authorities in Damascus is now constructive and constantly improving.

Fletcher pointed out that the United Nations needs to hold talks with President Ahmad al-Sharaa and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Asaad Al-Shibani to inform them that the organization is waiting for the formation of a inclusive government for all Syrians and to build on the outcomes of the talks.

He said that the challenge facing the United Nations is to work with the authorities and the inclusive Syrian government to cover the delivery of aid to all Syrian territories. He stressed that the pace of aid delivery to Syria is now faster than it was during the days of the Assad regime.

He pointed out that more than 20 million Syrians are in need of urgent humanitarian aid, and that many refugees want to return to their homes, but economic conditions prevent that.

He called for lifting sanctions on Damascus to allow the entry of equipment for reconstruction.

He also stressed the need for rapid international and humanitarian support for the return of every displaced citizen to Syria, as every region needs assistance, in addition to removing mines and providing the necessary means for that.

Raghda Sawas