DAMASCUS - Foreign and Expatriates Minister Walid al-Moallem on Tuesday held a meeting with President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Jakob Kellenberger, during which he reviewed the details of the ICRC's work and its needs in terms of humanitarian work in Syria.
Al-Moallem affirmed that Syria will continue to provide all that is needed to ensure the success of the ICRC's work and humanitarian mission in coordination with the Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC).
The two sides agreed upon a mechanism for direct cooperation and coordination between the ICRC and the SARC on one sides and the Foreign and Expatriates Ministry on the other in order to overcome any obstacle and achieve the desired cooperation.
For his part, Kellenberger voiced appreciation for the cooperation shown by the Syrian authorities, which allowed the ICRC to reach areas affected by the current events and provide aid to those who need it.
The meeting was attended by President of the SARC Dr. Abdelrahman al-Attar and Deputy Foreign and Expatriates Minister Dr. Fayssal Mikdad.
Interior Minister Meets ICRC President, Welcomes Any Assistance or Advice on Humanitarian Situation in Penal Establishments
The meeting of Interior Ministry Lt. Gen. Mohammad al-Shaar with Kellenberger on Tuesday focused on issues related to the ICRC's work in Syria and the facilitations the Ministry can provide, particularly regarding the inspection of penal facilities and meeting inmates in them.
Al-Shaar said that the Ministry is working to improve the status of prisoners, provide health and humanitarian services to them, and rehabilitating them to allow them to reintegrate into society.
He said that all arrested individuals who are being tried are under judicial supervision and are all equal in receiving health and humanitarian services, affirming that the Ministry welcomes any assistance or advice regarding humanitarian factors that the ICRC can provide.
In turn, Kellenberger noted that the Syrian authorities allowed an ICRC delegation to visit Damascus Central Prison and inspect the status of its inmates in June 2011, adding "it would be unfair to say that you didn't cooperate with us, despite that the visit of the delegation didn't obligate you to allow us to visit the prison."
He voiced hope for making such visits in the future in coordination with the Syrian Arab Red Crescent.
Al-Halqi: Public and private hospitals didn't stop performing duty despite current difficult circumstances
Minister of Health Wael al-Halqi reviewed with Kellenberger the situation of health sector, challenges and the services provided for citizens across Syria.
Minister Halqi said that Syria's public and private hospitals, during those difficult circumstances, did not stop performing their duty in receiving and treating patients and injured people regardless of the political attitudes unlike what has been broadcast by the instigative media channels with the aim of damaging the reputation of this sector and its humanitarian services.
He called upon the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to visit any hospital or place to inspect work mechanism there.
The minister indicated to losses of the health sector in Syria at the hands of the armed terrorist groups, adding that 22 members of medical cadres were martyred while 30 others were injured, in addition to the damage caused to 19 national hospitals, 107 health centers and 125 ambulance cars.
Minister al-Halqi underlined the negative impact of the unjust economic sanctions imposed on the Syrian people in general and the health sector in particular
Kellenberger stressed that the ICRC will study the possibility of meeting the requirements proposed by the Syrian Ministry of Health.
For his part, Head of the Syrian Arab Red Crescent Abdulrahman al-Attar reviewed the health aid provided by the SARC through its centers in the Syrian provinces, in addition to the training courses.
He hailed the facilitations provided by the Ministry to reach some areas and provide help and humanitarian aid
© SANA (Syria Arab News Agency) 2012
