UNITED NATIONS: United Nations aid chief Tom Fletcher met with Syria’s new interim leaders, including Commander Ahmed al-Sharaa and Prime Minister Mohammed al-Bashir, on Monday to discuss ways to expand humanitarian assistance in the war-torn country.
U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed the meeting, praising Syria’s caretaker government for their commitment to protect civilians, particularly humanitarian workers. Guterres also highlighted their agreement to facilitate full humanitarian access through all border crossings and streamline bureaucratic processes for permits and visas, which have hindered relief efforts in the past.
The U.N. also emphasized the importance of continuing essential government services, including healthcare and education, as well as engaging in constructive dialogue with the broader humanitarian community.
Guterres called on the international community to support the Syrian people as they face the ongoing crisis, saying that seven out of 10 Syrians are still in need of humanitarian assistance.
In a broader effort, Fletcher is set to visit Lebanon, Turkey, and Jordan to further bolster the international response to the humanitarian situation in Syria.