ICRC president criticises Syria
The president of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) says that Syria has failed to guarantee wounded civilians access to medical care in the country’s ongoing unrest.
In an interview published in Friday’s Basler Zeitung, Jakob Kellenberger revealed that he was receiving “very disturbing reports” that the sick and injured were still being denied admission to hospitals.
He said that during a meeting with Bashar al-Assad in September, the Syrian president had seemingly agreed to ensure full access to medical care for all.
But Kellenberger pointed out that following his discussions, the ICRC was granted permission for the first time ever to visit a prison in Syria. Since June, the ICRC has also had better access to areas where clashes have taken place between demonstrating civilians and the army.
Since protests against the Assad regime began in March, more than 3,000 people have died, according to UN figures.
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