The Government of Canada and other countries involved in the United Nations Security Council condemned Russia and China for leading the veto of a resolution to continue the delivery of cross-border humanitarian aid to Syria.
Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs François-Philippe Champagne and Minister of International Development Karina Gould expressed in a statement that they are “deeply disappointed over the veto by Russia and China as “this decision will prevent millions of Syrians from receiving aid they urgently require.”
“We are particularly concerned about the situation in Idlib, where the population faces increased violence, including air strikes by the Syrian regime and Russia,” they added.
According to reports, the veto emanated as Russian-backed Syrian forces have increased ground against the opposition territory in Syria’s northwest. This led thousands of refugees flew into Turkey to escape the dubbed biggest attack.
The UN Security Council requires at least nine votes for a resolution to pass, and no vetoes by Russia, China, the United States, Britain or France.
Unfortunately, Russia and China vetoed the text, while the remaining 13 members were in favor.
Syrian ally Russia only wanted to approve the two Turkish crossings for six months when in fact the resolution would have allowed cross-border humanitarian deliveries for up to 1 year.
With this, the Canadian officials furthered: “We call on all parties to allow rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian access to populations in need.”
Aside from them, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo also articulated his condemnation of Russia and China and called their rejections as “shameful.”
“To Russia and China, who have chosen to make a political statement by opposing this resolution, you have blood on your hands,” Pompeo said.
