Russian envoy: Western sanctions behind deteriorating humanitarian situation in Syria

Russia’s UN envoy says the West is liable for the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Syria, as Western sanctions have impeded stabilization efforts in the crisis-stricken country.

According to Press TV, speaking at a UN Security Council meeting, Vasily Nebenzya argued that sanctions are a significant factor in the degradation of the humanitarian situation in Syria.

“Western delegations detail their efforts to deliver humanitarian assistance to Syria, but close their eyes to another uncomfortable topic: Their criminal unilateral sanctions, which are biting ordinary Syrians,” Nebenzya said, after the Security Council unanimously passed a resolution extending the cross-border aid mechanism in Syria until July 10.

“As a matter of fact, Western countries are deliberately worsening the crisis in a bid to contain the process of normalization of the situation in the country, and discredit the actions of its legitimate government,” he said.

The Russian diplomat noted that the West is purposely creating “artificial barriers” for the return of Syrian refugees from neighboring countries for fears that the Syrian government would receive political dividends in case of the mass return of Syrians.

“We believe that such dirty political games on Syria must be stopped. This is the will of the Syrian nation as well,” he said.

“We want humanitarian aid to be delivered to all Syrians, without double standards and discrimination. We want it to be done honestly, without any politicization and parallel unilateral measures, as such practices undermine the viability of any humanitarian assistance,” Nebenzya said.

The Russian envoy called on other participants not to waste time and “drop the mantra that the cross-border aid mechanism has no alternatives.”

ME