Syria Announces Sanctions Hindering Earthquake Recovery Efforts

The economic sanctions imposed on Syria are complicating the recovery from the earthquake's aftermath. This was announced on Tuesday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Arab Republic. As reported by TASS, 'Syrians, facing the earthquake, are forced to clear the rubble with their hands, using the simplest tools, ... because the necessary equipment is unavailable to them due to U.S. sanctions,' the statement from the Syrian Foreign Ministry noted.

The Syrian Foreign Ministry rejected claims by U.S. officials that the sanctions do not hinder the provision of humanitarian assistance. 'Representatives of the American administration continue their attempts to mislead the international community by stating that the 'Caesar Act' and sanctions do not obstruct urgent humanitarian aid to the Syrian people,' the ministry emphasized.

As noted by Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mikdad during an interview with Al-Mayadeen TV, the sanctions exacerbate the disaster facing the country. 'Sanctions only deepen the catastrophe,' the minister stressed, adding that the situation is further complicated by the fact that Syria is 'in difficult conditions in the fight against terrorism and its supporters.'

Mikdad stated that the Syrian government is making every effort to eliminate the effects of the disaster and support those affected, but it needs assistance. In this context, he expressed gratitude to all countries that have sent rescuers and humanitarian supplies to Syria, as well as called on European countries to send aid to Damascus as well. Furthermore, he highlighted the Syrian government's readiness to allow humanitarian supplies to all regions of Syria, provided that they do not fall into the hands of terrorists.