During his meeting today with Ben Parker, Head of the UN Humanitarian Needs’ Assessment Mission, Deputy Foreign Minister Dr. Feissal Mekdad discussed the humanitarian response plan to meet the needs of citizens affected by the crisis in Syria. Talks also covered the work of the UN agencies in this regard.

Dr. Mekdad said Syria offered assistance to UN agencies working in Syria and international non-governmental organizations working in the field of humanitarian affaires, away from any policies or agendas.

He warned that the sanctions imposed on Syria by the EU and the USA are in fact targeting the livelihood of all citizens and increasing their difficulties resulting from the atrocious acts perpetrated by the armed terrorist groups against civilians and public and private institutions. He branded such sanctions as a violation of international law and humanitarian conventions.

On his part, Mr. Parker praised the cooperation existing between the UN Agencies working in the humanitarian field and Syrian official circles and Red Crescent Organization. He stressed the need for the world community and Donor countries to exert every effort to enable Syrian citizens to overcome the difficult circumstances they are passing through.