The Syrian National Coalition warned of the possible consequences of the suspension of the delivery of cross-border humanitarian aid to the Syrian people. It also warned of the dangers of providing aid exclusively through the Assad regime, pointing out that this could put the lives of millions of Syrians at risk.
In a press release issued on Thursday, the Coalition said that the reprehensible Russian-Chinese veto does not only absolve the international community of its responsibility, but also doubles it. “The international community is required to find an effective mechanism to deliver aid to the Syrian people by all means possible.”
The Coalition stressed that “the international community must not be a partner in the blockade against the Syrian people. Restricting the of entry of aid via the corrupt regime will allow it to seize this aid and use it to support its forces and militias.”
“The worsening living conditions risk triggering a fresh wave of refugees seeking a life for their families and children, which is one of their basic legitimate rights. We therefore call on the major international actors to take concrete, positive action that enables the Syrian people to have a decent life in their homeland.”
UN Security Resolution 2165 allowing the delivery of aid across the Syrian border to millions of civilians will expire at midnight on Friday if a the UN Security Council cannot reach a last-minute deal to extend its authorization. Russia and China last month vetoed a draft resolution submitted to extend the mandate. (Source: Syrian National Coalition’s Media Department)