Russia vetoes UN resolution allowing cross-border aid into NW Syria

QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – On Tuesday, Russia vetoed a UN Security Council compromise resolution that would have extended aid deliveries through the Bab al-Hawa border crossing, which connects Turkey and opposition-held northwest Syria, for nine months, putting the lives of over 4 million people at risk.

A Russian resolution, which proposed a six-month extension for the delivery of humanitarian aid but included new demands, did not receive the necessary nine “yes” votes for approval.

The aid deliveries to the Idlib area, northwest Syria, have increased following the major earthquake that struck southern Turkey and northwestern Syria on February 6.

Syrian President Bashar Assad authorized the opening of two additional crossings with Turkey to increase the flow of assistance to quake victims, and he extended their operation for three months until mid-August in May.

Both crossings were not mentioned in either resolution, but Russia’s UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia indicated they will remain open for now.