ICRC, Syrian Arab Red Crescent To Broaden Co-op

Damascus, April 4, IRNA -- President of the International Committee of the Red Cross Jakob Kellenberger conferred on Tuesday with Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem on ways to expand cooperation in relief operations to save the civilians trapped by insurgency. The president of Syrian Arab Red Crescent Abdulrahman al-Attar was also present in the meeting to develop harmony of the two humanitarian agencies to carry relief operations in the areas affected by lawlessness of the armed groups. In the meeting, the Syrian minister called for close ooperation between the two sides in the context of their humanitarian missions. The two sides agreed on a direct cooperation and coordination mechanism between the two agencies to overcome existing obstacles to this effect. Kellenberger on his part, welcomed the views of Syrian authorities who let the ICRC find access to areas affected by lawlessness and helping them with relief aid./end