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Lack of security guarantees complicates post-quake assistance in Syria

321 quake-affected people received medical assistance from Russian military medics, 61.2 tons of humanitarian aid handed out to people, high-ranking Russian military official says

MOSCOW, February 13. /TASS/. The lack of security guarantees on territories that are not controlled by the Syrian government complicates the post-earthquake relief operation, Oleg Yegorov, deputy chief of the Russian Center for Reconciliation of the Opposing Parties in Syria (a division of the Russian defense ministry), said on Monday.

"The lack of security guarantees on territories controlled by illegal armed groups complicates the delivery of assistance to those affected by the earthquake who are in dire straits," he said.

According to Yegorov, the Russian military continues to help deal with the quake aftermath in the Latakia, Aleppo, and Hama governorates. As of Monday, as many as 321 quake-affected people have received medical assistance from Russian military medics. A total of 61.2 tons of humanitarian aid - food and basic necessities - have been handed out to people.

He also said that the Syrian authorities have opened two checkpoints to facilitate aid delivery. "In compliance with Syrian President Bashar Assad’s instructions in the interests of delivering assistance to earthquake-affected people on territories that are not controlled by the Syrian government, checkpoints have been unilaterally opened in Saraqib and Abu Azeidin. Convoys with humanitarian cargoes, which include food products, heating devices and tents for those who lost their home, are ready to set off for the affected areas escorted by representatives of the Syrian Arab Red Crescent," Yegorov added.

Tags

Foreign policy Syria Syrian conflict Earthquakes in Turkey and Syria

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