White House: It was too late to open border gates to deliver aid to Syria
Responding to journalists’ questions at the online press conference, Kirby spoke about aid provided to Turkey and Syria, which were hit by the Kahramanmaraş-centered earthquakes, which are being described as the “disaster of the century.”
Noting that Foreign Minister Antony Blinken will be in Turkey on Monday to visit the earthquake area, Kirby noted that they wanted, in full consultation with the Turkish government, to determine what is needed and assess whether they should do something differently.
Kirby said that US search and rescue teams continue to work in Turkey and that US military helicopters also contributed to these efforts. In this context, Kirby reported that the helicopters transported 18 metric tons of supplies and relief personnel, including tents, water, hygiene items, diapers, heaters and generators, from the Incirlik airbase in Adana to points in the region. .
“LATE TO OPEN SYRIAN BORDER GATE”
Expressing that they are ready to provide further support, if needed, within the scope of the relief efforts, Kirby also touched on the relief efforts offered to those affected by the earthquake in Syria. Kirby said the UN decision to open additional border crossings for aid convoys to Syria was important, but it was “too late” in this regard.
Asked if they are in contact with the Assad regime in Syria, Kirby said: “I know there is no direct communication with the Assad regime. As you know, we do not have diplomatic relations with the regime. All aid to the Syrian people is done through institutions with which the United States and the UN have a long history of doing business together.” she gave the answer.
Kirby noted that as part of the aid, 95 trucks were sent to northern Syria and supported Syrian doctors who treated those affected by the earthquake from Aleppo to Idlib.
BIDEN’S VISIT TO POLAND
Coordinator Kirby also answered questions about US President Joe Biden’s visit to Poland, which is scheduled for February 20-22. Asked if Biden will meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy or if he will cross the Polish border into Ukraine as part of the visit, Kirby replied that there are no additional stops or meetings planned for this trip outside of Poland.
Kirby said President Biden can be expected to address issues such as international aid to Ukraine and additional support that should be given in his war anniversary speech.
Pointing to Iran’s aid to Russia and the development of defense cooperation between the two countries, Kirby said: “It is true that Iran helped Russia kill Ukrainians. What worries us, however, is the potential for Russia to help Iran develop its military capabilities, in particular, in exchange for Iran’s help, thereby further destabilizing the region.” he said. (AA)