Iyad Qudsi, Deputy Prime Minister of the Syrian interim government, said that more than one-third of Syrians are in need of humanitarian aid and that nearly eight million Syrians were forced out of their homes, in a speech at the second meeting of the Trust Fund for the reconstruction of Syria yesterday in the city of Abu Dhabi in the UAE. With the conflict now in its fourth year, life conditions for Syrians are very difficult and getting worse with the passage of time. All forms of industry in Syria have stopped, as machinery and equipment are in poor condition or damaged as a result of theft or indiscriminate shelling. All projects have been frozen as a result of the lack of capital and inflation, and the lack of controls on the currency and economic mismanagement especially by the state.” Qudsi pointed out that “long-term political solution is the starting point for recovery and development by uniting the efforts and pledging help for our people and the Syrian Coalition and the interim government as the only way to overcome the challenges standing in front of rehabilitation. Our people lack the most basic services like water supply, food, medicines, fuel and even education and most importantly safe places to live in. The coming period is a crucial stage, and supporting the Syrian people has become more urgent a chance to gain access to the means of success and stability and reduce the suffering of our people.” The support for the Trust Fund will be dedicated to develop the issues of security, health, education and the provision of services.” (Source: Syrian Coalition)
