DAMASCUS: A United Nations (UN) official visiting Damascus said on Tuesday there was a basis for the “ambitious scaling-up” of aid after the country’s new leaders assured the UN of full humanitarian access.
UN chief Antonio Guterres earlier welcomed the “caretaker government’s commitment to protect civilians” and humanitarian workers.
Full humanitarian access
“I also welcome their agreement to grant full humanitarian access through all border crossings; cut through bureaucracy over permits and visas for humanitarian workers; ensure the continuity of essential government services, including health and education; and engage in genuine and practical dialogue with the wider humanitarian community,” he said in a statement Monday.
Guterres sent the United Nations’ humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher to Damascus for talks on Monday with Abu Mohammed al-Jolani and interim prime minister Mohammed al-Bashir.
Jolani, who now uses his real name Ahmed al-Sharaa, heads the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) which led the offensive that ousted President Bashar al-Assad.
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Fletcher said Tuesday on X that it was a “moment of cautious hope in Syria”.
“I’m encouraged from my meetings in Damascus, including constructive discussion with Commander of New Administration, Mr Ahmed al-Sharaa. We have basis for ambitious scaling-up of vital humanitarian support.”
Moment of cautious hope in #Syria.
I’m encouraged from my meetings in Damascus, including constructive discussion with Commander of New Administration, Mr. Ahmed al-Sharaa.
We have basis for ambitious scaling-up of vital humanitarian support.https://t.co/8UkZTyMuUA pic.twitter.com/ptFNDEvGKR
— Tom Fletcher (@UNReliefChief) December 17, 2024
Assad has fled Syria as rebels led by HTS captured the capital Damascus on December 8, ending years of civil war.
The HTS leader has sought to reassure minorities at home and governments abroad that the country’s interim leaders will protect all Syrians, as well as state institutions.
