Iran and UN discuss assistance for Syria

UN humanitarian chief, in Tehran, asks the Islamic Republic for help in obtaining ‘better access for aid operations’ in Syria

By AP 15 September 2013, 7:27 pm Edit

A vehicle with UN experts on board in a convoy following their investigation in Syria after they crossed into Lebanon on their way to Beirut international airport, in Beirut, Lebanon, on Saturday, August 31, 2013. (photo credit: AP/Hussein Malla)

TEHRAN, Iran — Iran and a senior representative of the United Nations on Sunday discussed the country providing humanitarian assistance in the Middle East, including Syria, local media reported.

A report by the semi-official ISNA news agency quoted Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi saying Iran is ready for extended and effective cooperation with the UN to provide humanitarian aid.

“There are plenty of crises caused by political developments in the Middle East, like what we are currently witnessing in Syria,” Araghchi was quoted as saying.

ISNA initially reported a deal on aid had been signed. Iranian state television and the UN later said it had only been discussed.

The discussion came during a meeting with UN humanitarian chief Valerie Amos. Amos is on her first visit to Tehran.

Iranian state television reported Amos also met Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and stressed the importance of Iran providing assistance to regional countries like Syria. Zarif told Amos about Iran’s humanitarian efforts so far in Syria, the report said.

Iran is key regional backer of Syrian President Bashar Assad in the country’s civil war. It has occasionally sent humanitarian aid to Syria in the past.

In a statement, Amos said she asked for the Iranian government’s help in obtaining “better access for aid operations” in Syria.

“As others continue to pursue a political solution to the conflict in Syria, I can only stress the massive human cost,” she said.