UN chief says cross-border aid into Syria is essential
The UN chief is urging the Security Council to
authorize the delivery of critically needed humanitarian aid across borders and
conflict lines in Syria for another year, saying this aid mainly to rebel-held
areas "has staved off an even larger humanitarian crisis inside
Syria," The Washington Times reported.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in a
report to the council circulated Monday that over 1 million people receive
cross-border assistance every month.
"The United Nations does not have an
alternative means of reaching people in need in the areas in which cross-border
assistance is being provided," he said.
Since 2014, the UN Security Council has sent aid
through four border crossings - Bab al-Salam and Bab al-Hawa in Turkey, Al
Yarubiyah in Iraq, and Al-Ramtha in Jordan.
