President al-Assad: Humanitarian aid uppermost among state’s priorities

President al-Assad: Humanitarian file uppermost among state’s priorities May 03, 2014

Damascus, (SANA) President Bashar al-Assad underlined the significance of the humanitarian file as it is a “top priority” for the Syrian state. During his meeting Saturday with members of the Higher Committee for Relief, President al-Assad underlined the necessity of doubling the efforts of bodies in charge of the humanitarian file, mobilizing all potentials, and making optimal use of resources for catering to the needs of all citizens who have been driven out of their homes due to terrorist crimes. The Syrian state is responsible for every Syrian citizen, not least those in the areas to where they fled due to terrorist acts, and also in the areas blockaded by terrorists, added the President.   He said the ministries and the bodies concerned are exerting immense efforts in this regard and “have managed in several instances to get civilians out of besieged areas, relocating them to makeshift residential centers.” The President stressed the importance of ratcheting up cooperation between the ministries and bodies working in the humanitarian sphere, citing need for the delivery of assistance to all citizens without delay. He emphasized the importance of continuing work with all bodies concerned in the humanitarian file, with stress put on keeping national sovereignty intact. The ultimate goal is getting every displaced Syrian citizen to return to his house safe and sound, said President al-Assad. Prime Minister Wael al-Halqi, for his part, said the government is keen to provide all requirements pertaining to the humanitarian file and iron out difficulties hindering it. Minister of Social Affairs Kinda al-Shammat said that having routine done with will help expedite the Committees’ work, adding that the “armed groups are the major obstacle hindering the work of aid convoys.” M. Ismael