Iran’s deputy ambassador at the United Nations said that the imposition of unlawful unilateral sanctions against Syria by certain countries was one of the major causes of the current humanitarian situation in the country.
“We recall resolution 2585 through which the Security Council has called upon all Member States to respond with practical steps to address the urgent needs of the Syrian people.” Zahra Ershadi said on Tuesday in a statement before the United Nations Security Council on ‘The situation in the Middle East (Syria – Political and Humanitarian)’.
“The Council must also recognize that humanitarian activities are broader than solely addressing the immediate needs of the affected population and should include support to essential services through water, sanitation, health, education, and shelter early recovery projects.” She added.
Given that the imposition of unlawful unilateral sanctions against Syria by certain countries is one of the major causes of the current humanitarian situation in that country, the Council, by using the term “practical steps”, is literally calling, though implicitly, for the removal of such sanctions, at least in areas related to “early recovery projects”.
Yet, this call must not be misconstrued as if sanctions imposed on other sectors are acceptable or assisting Syria in other areas, particularly reconstruction efforts are less important.
