Syrian FM urges Int'l Red Cross to avoid politicization of humanitarian work

Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem

DAMASCUS, March 10 (Xinhua) -- Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem on Tuesday underlined the need for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to avoid politicization of its humanitarian work, state news agency SANA reported.

Al-Moallem made the remarks during his meeting with the visiting chief of ICRC Peter Maurer in the capital Damascus, where they highlighted the need to maintain constant coordination and communication to overcome challenges and obstacles regarding the humanitarian work in the country.

Noting Syria's commitment to providing all forms of support and facilitation for the ICRC, al-Moallem urged the committee to abide by principles of humanitarian work and prevent any attempts to influence or politicize its projects.

For his part, Maurer reviewed the ICRC's current work and projects in Syria and its cooperation with the Syrian Arab Red Crescent.