Russia will not prolong the mechanism of cross-border aid to Syria if there is no progress in settlement of humanitarian problems of the republic, Alexander Lavrentiev, the Russian President's Special Representative for Syria, said in an interview with TASS.
"Unfortunately, we see that despite the declaration of intentions, very little concrete work has been done. If things go on like this, we will simply have no grounds for prolonging the cross-border mechanism for any further term. In general, we are in favor of winding it down," he said. - "We've given six months with an extension of up to a year to show the readiness of the international community to change its position on this issue. If there is no change, then we'll scrap the mechanism permanently".
Lavrentiev reminded that Moscow declared its position as far back as April-May while preparing the July session of the UN Security Council where the issue was to be considered. "Our position that the cross-border mechanism is illegal has not changed. This is the first time it has been used on Syrian territory. It is unauthorized and goes beyond international law. Therefore, all aid that goes to Syria must go through Damascus, through the legitimate authorities," he pointed out.
Lavrentiev stressed that Russia is not deviating from its position. According to him, Russia agreed to UNSC Resolution 2585 because it hoped that it would encourage the international community to increase humanitarian aid to the Syrian government. "Not only through humanitarian aid in the form of food, but most importantly, that there should be the launch of early recovery programs: to restore life support facilities, energy, power lines, water pumping stations, health facilities, schools and so on," he explained.
On July 9, the UN Security Council adopted a resolution on the extension of cross-border assistance in Syria. The document was prepared jointly by Russia, the U.S., Ireland and Norway. It extends the work of the only crossing point "Bab al-Hawa" on the border of Syria and Turkey for 12 months on the condition that after six months the UN Secretary-General will report on the work of the mechanism of cross-border assistance.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
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Based on materials from TASS