Government minister deems WFP’s Syria aid termination “politicized”
RAQQA, Syria (North Press) – The Syrian government expressed on Thursday its dissatisfaction with the World Food Program’s (WFP) decision of terminating its aid program in Syria, deeming the step as “politicized” and aimed to “pressure” the Syrian people.
On December 4, the WFP said that it would end its primary aid program in Syria, starting from the beginning of 2024, citing a severe shortage in funding.
The remarks were made by Hussein Makhlouf, the Syrian Minister of Local Administration and Environment, during a meeting with Kenneth Crossley, the representative of the WFP in Syria. Makhlouf sought clarification on the recent WFP announcement, which was made without prior coordination with the Syrian government.
The minister stated that the decision “shows a deviation in the course of the program towards politicization of the humanitarian aid programs provided to the Syrian people, and thus its joining the parties working to exert pressure on the Syrian people,” said state-run SANA News Agency.
Syrian people rely on the assistance provided by the WFP amid the dire economic and living conditions suffered in the country, Makhlouf stated.
The minister hoped, added SANA, “The WFP would review its decision on food assistance and come up with a more objective and humane approach to maintaining the continued provision of assistance to the greatest number of people in need through efforts and solutions to address this reduction, which has a negative impact on Syrians.”