“Syrian regime” blocks humanitarian aid, not sanctions – U.S. Rep
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – The U.S. stressed on Monday it is the Syrian government that blocks humanitarian aid from reaching people in need in #Syria, not sanctions.
Robert Wood, U.S. representative to the U.N. highlighted during a Security Council briefing that the U.S. sanction program includes ‘authorizations, exemptions, and general licenses for humanitarian assistance.”
“The Assad regime is the one obstructing humanitarian access to Syrians in need, killing and displacing Syrians, and destroying critical civilian infrastructure.”
Wood emphasized that U.S. sanctions are used to hold “the Assad regime” accountable for its serious human rights violations against the Syrian people.
“Without accountability, the Syrian people will never experience a stable, just, and enduring peace,” he said.
Wood pointed out that the U.S. is the biggest donor of humanitarian aid for the Syria conflict, having given more than $17 billion to support people in Syria and refugees who have escaped to nearby countries.
Since 2011, the European Union, the United States, Canada, Australia, and Switzerland have imposed a number of economic sanctions and restrictions on Syria. These measures are mainly in response to the Syrian government’s suppression of civilians during the Syrian conflict.