Arab Parties Call for Swift Removal of Sanctions on Syria after Earthquake
TEHRAN (Tasnim) - Over 26 Arab political parties have jointly called for the urgent removal of sanctions imposed by the United States and its Western allies against Syria, following a 7.8-magnitude earthquake that hit northern Syria and neighboring Turkey last week.
In a statement released on Thursday, the parties demanded the abolition of unilateral coercive measures and expressed solidarity with the Syrian leadership and people.
The parties strongly condemned arbitrary measures taken by the United States and its allies, and emphasized their unwavering support for the people of Syria in the aftermath of the devastating quake. They also urged the United Nations and other relevant international organizations to take swift measures to remove the sanctions and provide essential humanitarian aid to areas affected by the earthquake.
This unified call for sanctions removal is a rare display of unity among Arab political parties, which have often held differing views on regional issues. It reflects concerns over the humanitarian impact of the measures, which have been in place for years and have severely affected the Syrian economy and the lives of ordinary citizens.
Meanwhile, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad expressed his gratitude to Arab countries and other friendly nations for their aid in the aftermath of a devastating earthquake that struck northern Syria and neighboring Turkey last week. In a televised speech on Thursday evening, Assad thanked the countries that stood by Syria in the first hours of the disaster and noted the major impact their aid had in enhancing the country's ability to confront the difficult conditions.
Assad acknowledged that the catastrophe was of a significant size, with tasks that would fall upon the country much greater than the available capacities. He also expressed that Syria would have to face deep economic challenges for years to come.
Aid efforts to Syria have been led by Iran and the United Arab Emirates, with the latter taking the lead in breaking Damascus's isolation and bringing it back into the Arab fold. More than 120 planes laden with assistance have landed in Syria's airports, with Saudi Arabia also sending two planes carrying aid to Syria on Tuesday, the first of its kind in more than a decade.
According to reports, the earthquake has killed 5,800 in Syria, while 38,044 people have been reported dead as of Friday.
