Syria's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Bassam al-Sabbagh confirmed on Thursday that the Syrian government has decided to extend the operation of the Bab al-Hawa crossing point for the delivery of humanitarian aid. The crossing point, located on the border with Turkey, will continue to be utilized by the UN and specialized agencies for a period of six months starting from July 13. Al-Sabbagh emphasized that the Syrian authorities are committed to cooperating and coordinating fully with the UN in this endeavor.
The Syrian government also reiterated its appeal to allow the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Syrian Arab Red Crescent to supervise and facilitate the distribution of humanitarian aid in areas under the control of terrorist organizations in northwestern Syria. Furthermore, Syria expressed its readiness to collaborate with the UN and humanitarian partners to support the relief and reconstruction efforts undertaken by the Syrian authorities.
Previously, sources within the organization revealed that al-Sabbagh had sent a letter to the UN Secretariat and the Security Council, notifying them of the extension of the Bab al-Hawa crossing point. The point has been operating under the cross-border assistance mechanism in Syria, which was mandated by the UN Security Council. The mandate expired on July 11, and despite efforts, the Security Council could not reach a consensus on extending the mechanism's work.
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Based on materials from TASS