The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, and the European Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarčič, welcomed the adoption of the “much-needed” resolution on cross-border assistance for Syria by the United Nations Security Council on Sunday 12 July.
After seven ballots and several Russian and Chinese vetoes, the Security Council adopted, despite the abstentions of Russia, China, and the Dominican Republic, a Belgian-German resolution authorising the use, for one year, of a Turkish border crossing point at Bab al-Hawa, out of the two previously available to the UN.
In their communiqué, the High Representative and the Commissioner expressed “deep concern” that the resolution allows only one crossing point. “The unconstructive approach of certain members of the Security Council is all the more regrettable at a time when needs have never been greater and in the context of the coronavirus pandemic”, they denounced.
According to them, this one opening “will hamper the delivery of life-saving emergency supplies to hundreds of thousands of people in need in North-West Syria”.
Mr Borrell and Mr Lenarčič announced that the EU would continue to do its utmost to provide assistance to those in need inside Syria. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)