Asia

Home page

Asia

UN humanitarian chief not refused entry to Syria: UN spokesman

29 February 2012 22:11 (UTC +04:00)

Baku-APA. Syria has not set a time to allow the UN’s top humanitarian official Valerie Amos into the country thus far, but has not refused her entry either, UN spokesman Martin Nesirky told reporters here Wednesday.

"I think we need to be very clear that the Syrians have delayed making a decision several times," said Nesirky, adding "They have not so far refused entry, but they have not agreed on a date."

Amos, who is UN undersecretary-general for humanitarian affairs and emergency relief coordinator, has been attempting to enter Syria after UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon asked her to visit the country and evaluate the humanitarian situation there.

"Ms. Amos has been extremely flexible. She has been in the region for the past few days, and she is still ready to go at a moment’s notice," said Nesirky. "Ms. Amos believes that this was an opportunity for the Syrian government to prove that it really cares for its people."

When asked about reports that Amos did not provide Syria with enough information about her travel plans, Nesirky said he cannot categorically deny this claim, but "cannot imagine" that Amos would not have been in touch with Syrian authorities to provide them with all the information that require for entry into the country.