Russia is helping Syria, which was hit by a massive earthquake, in every way possible, but it cannot put pressure on the sovereign state to expand access to humanitarian aid there, Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Monday.
"No, Russia is not putting pressure on the legitimate leadership of the Syrian Arab Republic. We are in constant contact. Russia is making great efforts to help the victims of this devastating earthquake in Syria," he said in response to relevant questions.
As for all other issues related to the provision of humanitarian aid to Syrians affected by the earthquake, "they can and should be promptly resolved in contact with the Syrian authorities," the Kremlin spokesman added.
In response to a question about whether Russia is making efforts to open other checkpoints for humanitarian aid deliveries, Peskov reiterated: "It depends on the decision of the Syrian Arab Republic."
"You know that we are finding ways for our specialists, our rescuers to work there. Our military is assisting in debris removal. And they continue to deliver humanitarian aid there. All other issues are the prerogative of the legitimate authorities of Syria," he concluded.
About the situation in Syria
According to the latest figures from the Syrian health ministry, the death toll from the February 6 earthquake in government-controlled territory has risen to 1,414. It said another 2,349 victims were taken to hospitals with injuries and wounds. Regional Emergency Director for WHO's Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean Rick Brennan said on Sunday that around 4,000 people had been killed in Syrian-controlled territory and 2,500 more had been injured and wounded. According to his information, in the north-west of Syria, in areas under the control of militants there were 4.5 thousand people killed, and the number of injured reached 7.5 thousand.
On February 9, the Bab al-Hawa crossing point, which delivers humanitarian aid to northwestern Syria from Turkey, resumed operation. Bab al-Hawa is the only crossing point operating within the UN Security Council-approved cross-border assistance mechanism, reopened after the earthquake. It was closed after the earthquake due to damage to the road, and its capacity is now reduced.
The opening of additional cross-border aid checkpoints is being pushed by Western countries and the UN. Last week, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said he hoped UN Security Council members could reach an agreement on opening more aid crossings from Turkey to Syria. Syria insists that humanitarian aid throughout the country should be provided with the knowledge of the central authorities in Damascus.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: official website of the President of the Russian Federation
Based on materials from TASS