Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and UN Secretary General's Special Envoy to Syria Geir Pedersen discussed humanitarian aid to the Arab republic, including for overcoming the consequences of the recent earthquake, at a meeting in Moscow on Monday, the Russian foreign ministry said in a statement Tuesday.
"The two sides held a thorough exchange of views on the current situation in Syria and around it. Particular attention was paid to the urgent humanitarian tasks of mobilizing international assistance, including to overcome the consequences of the earthquake, providing comprehensive support to all Syrians in need and those affected without discrimination, politicization and preconditions," the ministry said.
The Russian side stressed the importance of coordination and harmonization of efforts of UN specialized agencies with Damascus, as stipulated by the guiding principles of humanitarian assistance contained in UNGA resolution 46/182, as well as respect for the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Syria.
The parties also noted the need to lift all illegal unilateral sanctions against Syria, which impede humanitarian activities and have a negative impact on the lives of ordinary citizens. "In addition, they discussed issues related to efforts to promote the political process led and carried out by the Syrian people with the support of the United Nations, as stipulated in UN Security Council Resolution 2254," the statement reads.
GSV "Russia - Islamic world"
Photo: Russian Foreign Ministry
Based on materials from TASS