Syrian Arab News Agency S A N A
New York, SANA- Syria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Bassam Sabbagh, has briefed the UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, on the Syrian efforts for facing the repercussions of the devastating earthquake that hit the country at dawn on Monday.
Ambassador Sabbagh conveyed to Guterres, during their meeting on Monday, a message from Dr. Fayssal Mikdad, Foreign and Expatriates Minister, which included a presentation of what the Syrian government has done, within the framework of its emergency action plan, to confront the repercussions of the devastating earthquake, which included putting all Ministries, institutions and authorities concerned in a state of alert through mobilizing all capabilities to face the impacts of this humanitarian disaster.
The message also included a reference to the appeal launched by the Foreign and Expatriates Ministry in the Syrian Arab Republic to the UN Member States, the UN General Secretariat, its agencies, funds, international organizations, and humanitarian partners to extend a helping hand to support the efforts made by the Syrian government in facing the impacts of the humanitarian disaster, especially with regard to the search for survivors and the rescue of those trapped under the rubble.
In addition to providing food and health assistance and shelter supplies to those affected by this natural disaster throughout Syria, in accordance with the standards of humanitarian work established by General Assembly Resolution No. 46/182, and in coordination and cooperation with the Syrian government.
For his part, the UN Secretary-General expressed his condolences and solidarity with the people and government of the Syrian Arab Republic, and reaffirmed the commitment of the United Nations to do everything in its power to help Syria overcome the effects of this humanitarian catastrophe.
In his response to the journalists’ questions after the meeting, Ambassador Sabbagh affirmed Syria’s readiness to coordinate with the United Nations to provide humanitarian aid to all Syrians throughout the country.
Ambassador Sabbagh added that the Syrian government has mobilized all efforts to achieve this goal, including cooperation with all those who wish to provide assistance to all Syrians.
He stressed that Syria is ready to work with everyone who wishes to provide assistance to the Syrians from inside Syria, and that access from inside Syria is available, and whoever wishes to do so should coordinate with the Syrian government.
Ruaa al-Jazaeri
