Representatives of the local councils and Interim Minister of Local Administration discussed the role of local councils and civil administration of the liberated areas with the Canadian representative to the Syrian opposition Robin Wutluver during a meeting held yesterday in Istanbul. The two sides also discussed the situation of services offered to the local population and the rehabilitation of state services, especially education and health sectors.
They also reviewed the development projects set up by the local councils and the interim Ministry of Local Administration that are aimed at establishing security and stability in the liberated areas, preservation of the social fabric and warding off extremist ideas.
Moreover, they stressed the importance of establishing safe areas to allow civil administration and start the rehabilitation of services for the population.
The meeting also discussed reopening of schools and universities based on the report prepared by the Syrian Coalition delegation during its visit to the city of Idlib. Representatives of local councils pointed to the need to establish a strong partnership between the United Nations and the interim government to enter international aid through the interim government, calling for ending cooperation between the UN organizations and the Assad regime which confiscates UN aid in favor of its militias. They referred to the discovery of UN aid in Al-Mastumah army base after it was overrun by rebel fighters last month. (Source: Syrian Coalition)