Syria's Foreign Minister Blames West for Humanitarian Suffering
TEHRAN (Tasnim) - Syria's Foreign Minister Faisal al-Mekdad expressed that the unilateral sanctions imposed by the United States and its Western allies, along with their support for Takfiri terrorist groups, have caused humanitarian suffering for the Syrian nation.
During a meeting with representatives from various UN agencies and international humanitarian organizations in Syria, Mekdad detailed the severe hardships faced by the Syrian people.
He highlighted the lack of funding for early recovery projects in the war-ravaged country, emphasizing that Syrians' harsh living conditions are a result of unilateral sanctions and coercive measures imposed by certain Western countries, along with their support to extremist militants.
Since 1979, Syria has been targeted by US-led sanctions, which were intensified after 2011 when the country faced foreign-backed militancy and terrorism.
The Caesar Act, passed in 2019, further tightened sanctions, targeting individuals and businesses involved in Syria's reconstruction efforts.
Mekdad also denounced Turkey and its allied militants for repeatedly cutting off drinking water in the northeastern province of Hasakah, depriving locals of their basic needs. He urged international humanitarian organizations to speak out against this practice and hold those responsible accountable for their inhumane behavior.
Regarding Syrian refugees, Mekdad informed about the government's efforts to facilitate their safe and dignified return. Nearly six million Syrians, registered by the UN, fled the conflict that started in 2011, seeking refuge in neighboring countries.
In recent years, Syrian government forces, supported by Russia and Iran, have retaken control of most regions from terrorist groups. With the restoration of peace, many Syrians have returned home, and the government has undertaken reconstruction projects.
However, Western media have claimed that returning refugees may face detention and torture in Syria. President Bashar al-Assad emphasized that the refugees' return should be pursued within a humanitarian and moral framework, rather than being politicized.
Assad stated that the safe return of refugees is a primary goal of the Damascus government, and measures have been taken to facilitate the process.
