Press Statement
Syrian Coalition
New York, NY
November 28, 2013
For 32 months, the Assad Regime has denied the delivery of water, food and medical supplies to millions of Syrians across the country. These illegal acts have been systematic and widespread, and have been condemned repeatedly by international authorities and human rights groups.
By denying humanitarian access to vulnerable Syrians, the Assad Regime is responsible for the deaths of thousands of Syrians, the re-emergence of diseases such as polio and widespread malnutrition throughout the country.
This week, the Assad Regime announced its intention to ease its blockade of humanitarian access in response to repeated calls by the UN Security Council, demanding that Assad comply with international obligations. Despite the UN’s latest assertions, however, the reality remains that the Assad Regime continues to wage a brutal campaign of violence and inflict terror against the people of Syria, while denying urgently needed resources and medical care to millions of Syrians.
As a result of the Assad Regime’s actions, 2.5 million people remain trapped in besieged areas. In Moadamiya alone, thousands of Syrians face starvation and the proliferation of disease. Cross-border aid delivery continues to be impeded by lengthy bureaucratic procedures complicated with Assad’s insistence that all aid be channeled through Damascus. These policies have lead to extremism and instability throughout Syria, and have left millions of Syrians living in poverty and misery.
The Syrian Coalition, and the Free Syrian Army, are committed to providing free and unfettered access to humanitarian and relief agencies so food, water and medical care can be delivered to all Syrians in liberated territories.
To ease the delivery of humanitarian assistance, the Syrian Coalition has recently appointed Suheir Atassi as our designated empowered interlocutor with full authority to engage with all humanitarian organizations. We have repeatedly welcomed cross-border access through Turkey and other bordering countries, and have reached out to the United Nations and NGOs to support the delivery of humanitarian assistance.
The Syrian Coalition remains committed to supporting the full implementation of the UN Security Council’s Presidential statement from October 2nd and we continue to work to ensure that all Syrians—irrespective of their religion, ethnicity, or gender—have full access to medical care, food, and water.
We ask for Mercy for our martyrs, health for our wounded, and freedom for our detainees.
Long live Syria and its people, free and with honor.
