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Russia not to support humanitarian aid to Syria via third countries -- FM

Lately, several countries have proposed delivering humanitarian aid to Syria across the border with neighboring countries, primarily Turkey
Photo EPA/ITAR-TASS
Photo EPA/ITAR-TASS

GENEVA, February 25 (Itar-Tass) – Russia will not support the provision of humanitarian aid to Syria via third countries, Deputy Foreign Minister Gennady Gatilov said.

“We do not support such a position. Any humanitarian aid that is provided or will be provided to Syria should be delivered with the consent of the legitimate Syrian authorities and the government of the country,” Gatilov said in an in exclusive interview with Itar-Tass on Monday, February 25.

He believes that “the proposal of cross-border humanitarian supplies from the other side bypassing the consent and position of the Syrian government will be a violation of this country’s sovereignty.”

“Moreover, humanitarian aid is also being provided by U.S. special agencies and organisations, the International Community of the Red Cross and other humanitarian agencies. According to humanitarian representatives, this is an adequate response to the situation and they are satisfied by how the Syrian government cooperates with them,” Gatilov said.

 However the U.N. and the ICRC continue to provide inside the country since Damascus would not agree to cross-border supplies.