Syrian Coalition Welcomes EU Announcement of Additional Funds in Humanitarian Aid to Syria

Press Release

Syrian Coalition

July 18, 2015

On 16 July, Christos Stylianides, EU Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid, announced a further €64 million in humanitarian assistance to the Syrian conflict. Commenting after the announcement, Mouaffaq Nyrabia, the Syrian National Coalition's Representative to the EU, said:

"I welcome the EU's increased humanitarian aid to the Syrian people. The support provided by the EU and wider international community has saved the lives of many Syrians, for which we are grateful.

"Sadly, despite the generosity of the EU, the situation on the ground for millions of Syrians worsens. With the Assad regime's focus on a military solution, including its continued use of unlawful chemical weapons and indiscriminate barrel bombs, in tandem with ISIL's strategy of terrorising Syria, the human suffering will only get worse, with more Syrian refugees – including more seeking refuge across Europe - and a larger humanitarian bill for the global community for addressing the symptoms of the Syria crisis.

"It is set against this context the Syrian Coalition has been intensifying calls for a renewed international response to the situation in Syria and implementation of the Geneva process, which we remain committed to in bringing about a negotiated settlement. To breathe life into this process and create the humanitarian space on the ground for the delivery of the aid announced by the EU, we need urgent protection from Assad's bombs and ISIL's terror. In parallel, I encourage UN and EU humanitarian agencies to intensify the scale and delivery of aid to those in most need via the most direct routes. I reiterate the Syrian Coalition’s Assistance Coordination Unit's readiness to work with the international community to ensure the impartial delivery of this aid, reaching thousands living in hard to reach areas."