Russia and China vetoed a draft resolution of the UN Security Council on extending cross-border humanitarian assistance to Syria. The authors of the draft resolution are Germany and Belgium. Moscow has consistently advocated a gradual reduction in the number of checkpoints through which humanitarian aid enters Syria in circumvention of Damascus. In the near future Russia will submit to UN security Council resolution providing for only one border crossing on the border with Turkey.
Russia and China vetoed in the UN Security Council resolution Germany and Belgium on cross-border humanitarian assistance of the UN mission in Syria. The vote took place on 7 July. The pandemic COVID-19 and the remote mode of operation the UN voting took place by written notification of the President of the Security Council. 13 of the 15 member States of the UN security Council endorsed the German-Belgian project.
Berlin and Brussels took the initiative of extending the existing mechanism for the delivery of humanitarian aid to Syria through checkpoints on the border of Turkey and Syria.
In the project it was noted that more than 11 million Syrian citizens in need of humanitarian assistance, especially given the pandemic coronavirus that has hit the Syrian economy and the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the province of Idlib.
The resolution was adopted in 2014 and again extended.
In its original form, the initiative meant the movement of convoys of humanitarian assistance through four border points in Turkey, Iraq and Jordan without the consent of Damascus. However, Russia has advocated a gradual reduction in the number of checkpoints. In January, the number of checkpoints was reduced to two in Turkey. In addition, it was decided to extend cross-border delivery of humanitarian aid for six months, rather than annually as previously.
The effect of the resolution will expire on 10 July, in connection with the question of renewal was raised again. However, the initiative of Germany and Belgium implies the extension of the transboundary mechanism for the year instead of the prescribed six months previously. The document also foresees the possibility of increasing the number of open for the UN checkpoint, if such a need will be spelled out in the report of the UN Secretary General.
Russia predictably opposed, it was supported by China.
“the time has Come to gradually phase out the mechanism to replace it compostable to be carried out in accordance with the principles outlined in the UN General Assembly resolution 46/182,” reads the statement by the permanent representative of Russia to the UN Basil of Nebezi the results of the voting.
The resolution to which he had referred, provides for the provision of humanitarian assistance in accordance with the respect for the sovereignty of the recipient country. In this context, humanitarian assistance should be provided with the consent of the affected country “and, in principle, on a regularove requests by the affected country”.
Russia also insists that over the past six years, the situation in Syria has changed significantly. So, beyond the control of the government of the territory has significantly decreased. Meanwhile, resolution allowed to deliver aid to regions controlled by the rebels. Now, given the change in the situation, assistance can be given by arrangement directly with the Syrian government.
Nebesa UN security Council called for “not to politicize the humanitarian dossier” and to support the Russian initiative.
“However, we are aware of the need to meet the humanitarian needs of all Syrians, he said. — We will present your draft resolution, which implies an extension mechanism for six months while limiting the number of operating checkpoints, one checkpoint “Bab al Hawa” (on the border with Turkey)”.
Germany and Belgium expressed its willingness to compromise, however, will perceive the Western countries Russia’s initiative as acceptable.
“In the coming hours and days we will continue to work on this and urge all Council members to fulfil their obligations. The Syrian people are counting on us,” — said in a published joint statement of the Berlin and Brussels.
The results of voting on its resolution of the country was perceived negatively. The representative of the German foreign Ministry said that the veto of Russia and China became “even more incomprehensible, given that the text was already a compromise.”
“We worked hard on the resolution that it accommodates the needs of Syrians and had complied with the appeals of the UN Secretary General, — stated in the text of the statement. — We deeply regret that because of the veto by two permanent members of the security Council, this is a vital help failed today to extend”.
More negatively responded Washington. The U.S. permanent representative Kelly Kraft has accused Russia and China of “strangling humanitarian aid to Syria.”
“Russia and China take every opportunity to support the bloody regime of [Bashar al -] Assad and his brutal campaign against the Syrian people,” — said in a statement.
The issue of providing humanitarian assistance to Syria was discussed on the eve of voting in the UN security Council, the foreign Minister of Russia and Germany Sergey Lavrov and Heiko Maas. During the conversation, the Russian Minister pointed out that all humanitarian operations must be coordinated with Damascus. While Lavrov also said that a much greater impact on the inhabitants of the SAR have the sanctions of the European Union and the United States.
In June, the White house has imposed on Syria, the new sanctions aimed at those collaborating with President Bashar Assad or investing in the Syrian economy. Such measures may lead to complete economic isolation of Syria from the West and those who do not want to spoil relations with the United States.
Moreover, the economic situation in the Arab country really has deteriorated significantly even before the introduction of new sanctions. Significant damage suffered by the economy due to a pandemic, and closed borders.
In June, the Syrian Lira for the week fell to 3,500 units per dollar on the black market — compared to 700 per dollar in the beginning of the year. Prices on medicines and food have soared twice or three times. According to the world food programme, United Nations over the past year food prices in Syria have risen by half, and is 16 times more than in 2011, before the war.
On the background of the collapse of the national currency, the Syrians began to use the Turkish Lira. In some cities of the country were protests, people took to the streets with slogans “We do not want to live, we want to die with dignity” and “whoever condemns his people to hunger, a traitor.” Moreover, the meetings were held, particularly in cities where there are supporters of Assad.
