Resolution 2585, which extends the mechanism for the delivery of humanitarian assistance to Syria, ended on Monday. The resolution issued last July stipulated the delivery of aid through Bab al-Hawa crossing for 6 months, renewable for another 6 months.
Western diplomatic sources in New York revealed to al-Watan that the extension of an additional six months will not happen this time automatically, especially with joint Syrian-Russian objections to the mechanism for implementing the provisions of Resolution 2585, which was not implemented in the manner hoped for. It is expected that the five days preceding the meeting of the Security Council on the fifteenth of January will be preceded by heated negotiations and discussions that may lead to new agreements.
Russian expert and political analyst Andrei Ontikov, in a statement to al-Watan, pointed out that Russia opposes and criticizes the idea of delivering humanitarian aid through the Bab al-Hawa crossing. He says that as a result of field changes on the ground, this crossing must be closed and humanitarian aid delivered through Damascus, and across the frontlines to the areas controlled by terrorist groups.
Ontikov stressed that Russia insists on respecting Syrian sovereignty and considers that what is happening at the Bab al-Hawa crossing is a violation of that sovereignty.
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He said that Moscow had made a concession when voting for Resolution 2585 six months ago because it had relied on Western countries changing their position on the delivery of humanitarian aid across the lines, but there appeared to be no progress in that area.
The Russian political analyst considered that Russia has major differences with Washington in Ukraine and Kazakhstan, but there is no way to link these differences with the Syrian issue. Russia is committed to its interests as well as the interests of Syria. When we see any U.S.-Russian consensus about Ukraine, for example, it will not mean that Russia will concede the Syrian issue, which is impossible.
This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.
