The Emir of Qatar criticizes the delay in providing aid to the earthquake victims in Syria

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DOHA (Reuters) – Qatar’s emir said on Sunday he was baffled by the delay in delivering aid to victims of an earthquake in Syria last month, adding that it was wrong to misuse humanitarian aid for political purposes, in an apparent criticism in the region. Syrian government.

Qatar was among several regional countries that supported opposition fighters in the civil war in Syria, and had previously spoken out against efforts by some countries to normalize relations with Damascus.

Speaking at the opening of the United Nations Conference of the Least Developed Countries in Doha, Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani stressed the need to help the Syrians “without hesitation” and support Turkey’s efforts to recover from the devastating earthquake.

The death toll in Turkey rose to more than 45 thousand, bringing the total death toll, including Syria, to about 51 thousand. In Syria, the rebel-held northwestern region at war with President Bashar al-Assad has been hardest hit.

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“While I question the delay in aid reaching these (Syrians), I stress that exploiting a human tragedy for political purposes is unacceptable,” Sheikh Tamim said.

The United Nations has called for all sides to be allowed access to Syria, which has been devastated by years of civil war, in order to increase aid deliveries.

Aid agencies complain about the restrictions imposed by the Damascus government, which they say politicize the distribution of aid. Other aid agencies say hardline rebels have blocked aid from government-held parts of Syria, further complicating efforts.

Qatar provides aid to the Syrians via Turkey, while other Gulf states such as the United Arab Emirates transport humanitarian supplies directly.

Doha, like Washington, has expressed its opposition to any moves toward rehabilitating or normalizing relations with Assad, citing his government’s brutality during the conflict and the need to see progress toward a political solution.

(Covering) By Andrew Mill Writing by Moaz Abdel Aziz and Ghida Ghantous Editing by William Mallard and Frances Kerry

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

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