Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Damascus Alexander Efimov gave an interview to the Interfax news Agency, in which he spoke about the situation in the Arab Republic in connection with the pandemic, as well as Russian assistance to Damascus and the situation in Idlib.
So far, according to him, the SAR authorities manage to keep the situation with the spread of the coronavirus under control.
"We believe that the Syrian government is able to cope with this problem, even taking into account the fact that the country and its health system have been seriously damaged as a result of the long-term armed conflict. Moreover, Syria has already begun to receive the necessary assistance from friendly states, including Russia," the diplomat said.
The main problem that hinders the fight against the coronavirus in Syria is Western sanctions against the Syrian Arab Republic.
"Let me remind you that Russia and a number of other countries have called for a complete and immediate lifting or easing of unilateral sanctions that hinder the efforts of states, in particular Syria, to effectively combat COVID-19. We supported the relevant initiatives of UN Secretary-General Antonio Gutteris and other UN representatives. However, unfortunately, our calls remain unanswered – well-known apologists of aggressive sanctions policy are not going to give up their approaches. And even, on the contrary, they are ready to further increase pressure on the SAR and other undesirable states," the Ambassador said.
In these circumstances, Russia continues to provide support to Syria. In April, 200 artificial lung ventilation devices, 10,000 test systems and 2,000 disposable and reusable protective suits were delivered to the Ministry of Health of the SAR.
It is noteworthy that the epidemic, according to Efimov, has already directly affected the Syrian settlement.
In particular, due to the pandemic, the next meeting of the Constitutional Committee, scheduled for the end of March in Geneva, was not held.
Meanwhile, the spread of the coronavirus did not affect the activity of terrorists. "Attention has not shifted from the Idlib problem, because attacks and provocations by illegal armed groups continue," the Russian diplomat said.
The coronavirus has also had an impact on the work of Russian specialists in Syria.
"The measures introduced here, including curfews and other restrictions on movement around the country, significantly hamper the functioning of almost all institutions and enterprises in the country, and projects that involve Russian companies are no exception. Everyone has to adapt to new difficult conditions and take the necessary precautions. However, even in such circumstances, Russian economic projects are being implemented, and military and diplomatic tasks are being solved, as always," the Ambassador stressed.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Embassy of the Russian Federation in Syria