President of the Syrian Coalition Anas Alabdah said that the Assad regime’s obstruction of the delivery of humanitarian aid to the besieged parts of Aleppo risks undermining the cessation of hostilities agreement that took effect late on Monday.
In a meeting with New Zealand’s Ambassador to Turkey Jonathan Curr on Friday, Alabdah described the Assad regime as a “bloody regime that only believes in a military solution to the conflict.” He noted that the Assad regime is still not serious about engaging in a political process needed to alleviate the suffering of the Syrian people, condemning the regime’s policies of killing, intimidation and displacement of the Syrian people.
Alabdah stressed the need to prioritize sustained, unfettered humanitarian access to the besieged cities and towns, most importantly to eastern Aleppo, Alwaer district in Homs, Moadamiya, Madaya and eastern Ghouta. He pointed out that the Assad regime seeks to force residents of the besieged areas out of their homes under threats of starvation and bombardment.
Both sides discussed New Zealand’s intention to call a special UN Security Council meeting on Wednesday to discuss the situation in Syria. Alabdah emphasized that the session must be focused on the situation in the besieged areas, the regime’s mass forced displacement policy and its hindering of the delivery of humanitarian aid to civilians in need. (Source: Syrian Coalition)
