ICRC: disagreement between big powers - obstacle for humanitarian work in Syria

Record ID: 77688

  • Title: ICRC: disagreement between big powers - obstacle for humanitarian work in Syria
  • Date: 23rd November 2016
  • Summary: MOSCOW, RUSSIA (NOVEMBER 23, 2016) (REUTERS) PANEL DISCUSSION IN PROGRESS (SOUNDBITE) (English) PRESIDENT OF INTERNATIONAL COMMITTEE OF THE RED CROSS, PETER MAURER, SAYING: "Controversies, open controversies, diplomatic conflict between big powers and powers influential in a conflict like Syria is a big obstacle for humanitarian work." JOURNALIST (SOUNDBITE) (English) PRESIDENT OF INTERNATIONAL COMMITTEE OF THE RED CROSS, PETER MAURER, SAYING: "The consequence of divisions between the big powers at the end of the day is that this is a free space of all those who want to continue the conflict. If the big powers don't nudge themselves together and try to influence the parties so that they behave, if they leave the space open, if the signal is: we are not really making an effort because we are in a deep disagreement - this opens a space for the continuation of the conflict." MEDIA (SOUNDBITE) (English) PRESIDENT OF INTERNATIONAL COMMITTEE OF THE RED CROSS, PETER MAURER, SAYING: "Whenever I travel publicly and diplomatically in my communication I can only highlight the fact that this conflict can only be addressed if the key powers align themselves into some common approaches. And again - the consequences are too heavy of not doing that." PANEL DISCUSSION IN PROGRESS
  • Embargoed: 8th December 2016 13:47
  • Keywords: Russia Syria Middle East United States diplomacy conflict humanitarian operation
  • Location: MOSCOW, RUSSIA
  • City: MOSCOW, RUSSIA
  • Country: Russia
  • Topics: Conflicts/War/Peace,Military Conflicts
  • Reuters ID: LVA00159O1D1J
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Story Text: The head of the International Committee of the Red Cross, Peter Maurer, on Wednesday (November 23) said the dialogue and cooperation between Russia and the United States as well as other major powers and regional players is crucial for providing humanitarian assistance in Syria and resolving the conflict.
    "Controversies, open controversies, diplomatic conflict between big powers and powers influential in a conflict like Syria is a big obstacle for humanitarian work," he said speaking at Russian Valdai Discussion Club meeting.
    Maurer was expected to travel to Russia in a bid to secure access to civilians in Aleppo. Hundreds of people have been killed this week in a concerted push by the government and its allies to quash resistance in the rebel-held eastern part of Aleppo and re-establish control over what was once Syria's biggest city.
    Maurer is expected to meet Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Wednesday. He is scheduled to meet Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev on Thursday (November 24) and fly on to Washington and Tehran afterwards.
  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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