The Russian diplomatic ministry stated that illegal sanctions imposed by the United States and the European Union are "strangling the economy" of Syria. The statement further alleges that Washington and its allies continue plundering of the country's energy and food resources.
"The US and the EU persist in economically strangling the Syrian Arab Republic through unlawful unilateral sanctions, barring the import of essential goods such as construction materials, generators, medicines, medical equipment, as well as baby formula and toothpaste under the pretext of dual-use items. Simultaneously, Washington and its allies, in violation of international law, are occupying territories in the northeast and south of Syria, engaging in the illicit plundering and smuggling of oil and grain, thereby depriving the Syrian population of vital necessities such as bread and energy resources," stated the ministry.
The statement highlighted that the chronic shortage of funding is the primary reason for the inadequate provision of proper humanitarian assistance to the Syrian Arab Republic. This shortfall is exacerbated by the failure of Western donors to fulfill their obligations, despite their vocal declarations, to allocate funds for emergency aid. The Russian Foreign Ministry added, "This is not to mention early recovery projects and facilitating the return of refugees." The ministry also pointed out that the current UN humanitarian response plan, prepared even before the February 6 earthquake, is secured for less than 30 percent of the required funds.
Syria's efforts
The diplomatic department highlighted that on November 10, officials from the Syrian Arab Republic (SAR) government officially communicated to the leadership of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) their decision to extend, for an additional three months until February 13, 2024, the authorization for using two checkpoints on the border with Turkey, namely "Bab al-Salam" and "Al-Rai," to facilitate the delivery of aid to areas beyond Damascus' control.
"The Syrian authorities are actively and voluntarily supporting this emergency measure, primarily to ensure swift and extensive access to all those affected by the significant earthquake on February 6 and to effectively address the devastating aftermath of the disaster," - the statement conveyed. - "However, despite Damascus' earnest efforts, Syrians are still not receiving the necessary assistance from the UN, which should be coordinated with the country's authorities in accordance with the norms of international humanitarian law."
In this context, the Foreign Ministry highlighted the total absence of internal access from Damascus to all parts of the Syrian Arab Republic across the contact lines, with no foreseeable prospects for its establishment. "The impediment arises from the opposition in Idlib by militants of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group (banned in Russia - TASS), recognized as a terrorist organization by the UN Security Council, along with other illegal armed groups operating in northern Syria," it emphasized.
Therefore, the Foreign Ministry concluded that even with the border crossings opened by the Syrian Arab Republic government, the delivery of aid is conducted in a restricted manner.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Russian Foreign Ministry
Based on materials from TASS