UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres's deputy for humanitarian affairs, Tom Fletcher, discussed the issues of expanding humanitarian aid with the new Syrian authorities in Damascus, TASS news agency reports.
On December 16, Fletcher met with the leader of the armed groups that came to power in Damascus, Ahmed al-Sharaa, known as Abu Mohammed al-Julani, and with the head of the Syrian Transitional Cabinet, Mohammed al-Bashir.
Issues of increasing efforts to provide humanitarian aid against the background of recent events in Syria were discussed. The Secretary General of the United Nations emphasized the importance of coordinated actions to provide aid to the Syrian population in this period. Guterres also welcomed "the interim government's commitment to protect the civilian population, including humanitarian workers."
He noted the importance of the agreement reached on the commitment to provide full humanitarian access at all border crossing points, simplifying bureaucratic procedures for obtaining permits and visas for humanitarian workers, as well as ensuring the continuity of basic government services (such as health care and education) and humanitarian aid. readiness for constructive dialogue with the community.
Since the end of November, anti-government forces of Syria have captured several major cities of the country. On December 8, opposition representatives entered Damascus and announced on state television that they had established control over the country. The transitional government of Syria is headed by Mohammed al-Bashir.
