Joint statement of Russia and US on Syria

The Russian Federation and the US, as co-chairs of the International Syria Support Group (ISSG), recognized the progress that has been made with respect to the cessation of hostilities (CoH) in Syria - in accordance with their Joint Statement of February 22, 2016 - and in improving humanitarian access, they both said in a joint statement released by the US State Department on Monday.

“We have decided to reconfirm our commitment to the CoH in Syria and to intensify efforts to ensure its nation-wide implementation,” the statement said, adding that they “intend to enhance efforts to promote humanitarian assistance to all people in need in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 2254.”

“We demand that parties cease any indiscriminate attacks on civilians, including civilian infrastructure and medical facilities.”

“The US is committed to intensifying its support and assistance to regional allies to help them prevent the flow of fighters, weapons, or financial support to terrorist organizations across their borders.”

“Life-saving assistance, including certain medical supplies and personnel to ensure their proper use, have been denied to populations in need,” adding that the “UN assessment teams and humanitarian personnel have been barred from accessing certain besieged areas.”

Delivery of assistance by ground will be to “Douma, East Harasta, Arbeen, Zamalka, Darayya, Zabadin, Fouah, Kafrayah, Madaya, Zabadani, Mouadhimiyeh, Yarmouk, Ein Terma, Hammura, Jisrein, Saqba, and Kafr Batna,” while by air will be “continued to Deir ez Zor for approximately 110,000 people in need.”

The statement reiterated “the need for continuous deliveries to all locations considered by the UN to be hard-to-reach, such as al Waer, Talbisseh, al Rastan, and Afrin.”

“Humanitarian aid will be delivered based on need, with the full package of food, medical, and non-food items as decided by the UN authorized for delivery by all sides.”

Since January 2016 the UN - in coordination with the ICRC and Syrian Arab Red Crescent - delivered assistance to 255,250 people in besieged areas and 472,975 people in hard-to-reach areas.