China and Russia reportedly clash with the United States and the European Union over cross-border aid flow to Syria at the United Nations Security Council according to reports of Foreign Policy (FP).
According to the reports, of United-States based news-outlet FP, the two states are allegedly ‘squaring off’ against the western states at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), over the plan to maintain the UN cross border flow of aid to Syria.
Russia and China reportedly vetoed a plan by Germany and Belgium, which would have led the two crossing points to allow ‘aid traffic’ for at least twelve months. Meanwhile, ambassador to the UN, Kelly Craft argued against the Russian plan, referring to it as a ‘good versus evil’ issue. According to reports of FP, leaders from the European Union and the United States, have argued that closing off the crossing points would risk over a million Syrians. It is argued that by closing off Bab al-Hawa (crossing point), there would be a risk of cutting of Syrians in North Aleppo who are in ‘desperate’ need of aid from the UN.
It is to be noted that China and Russia are of the opinion that aid should be delivered to the people from within the state and should be handled by the relevant government, a claim which has been rejected by the Western counterparts, namely US and EU. According to reports of FP, they fear that such a move could lead to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad gaining ‘leverage’ in areas that are otherwise out of his control.
Moreover, it is reported that Germany and Belgium have drafted a new plan to keep both crossings open for the next six months, in what is considered, a move to appease Russia. It is pertinent to note that the UN mandate pertaining to aid delivery is expected to expire on Friday. According to Charles Thépaut of FP, this could the perfect opportunity for the US and the EU to come up with a solution which could allow the delivery of aid to continue while also avoiding further conflict with Assad.
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