Lavrov, Pedersen Discuss Mobilizing International Aid for Syria

Lavrov meeting with Pederson on Tuesday - EPA
Lavrov meeting with Pederson on Tuesday - EPA
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Lavrov, Pedersen Discuss Mobilizing International Aid for Syria

Lavrov meeting with Pederson on Tuesday - EPA
Lavrov meeting with Pederson on Tuesday - EPA

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and United Nations Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen held a meeting in Moscow on Monday and discussed mobilizing international humanitarian assistance for Syria to over the repercussions of the earthquake, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

"The parties held a thorough exchange of views on the current situation in Syria and around it. They paid special attention to pressing humanitarian needs, particularly in terms of dealing with the aftermath of the earthquake and providing comprehensive support to all Syrians in need and those affected by the quake without discrimination, politicization and preconditions," the statement read.

According to the ministry, Russia emphasized that it was crucial for UN agencies to coordinate their efforts with Damascus, as well as to respect Syria’s sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity. The need to lift all illegal unilateral sanctions on Syria was also emphasized as they impede humanitarian activities and negatively affect people’s lives.

Also, the two sides discussed issues related to efforts to promote the political process led and carried out by the Syrian people with the support of the United Nations, as stipulated in UN Security Council Resolution 2254.

Meanwhile, Moscow announced sending a new aid shipment to Syria. Reports showed Tuesday that a Russian aid ship arrived at the port of Tartous, loaded with more than 50 tons of aid for those affected by the earthquake.



Israel Is Ramping up Annexation of West Bank, UN Rights Chief Says 

Israeli army vehicles block a road during an Israeli military operation in the West Bank city of Jenin, 14 March 2025. (EPA)
Israeli army vehicles block a road during an Israeli military operation in the West Bank city of Jenin, 14 March 2025. (EPA)
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Israel Is Ramping up Annexation of West Bank, UN Rights Chief Says 

Israeli army vehicles block a road during an Israeli military operation in the West Bank city of Jenin, 14 March 2025. (EPA)
Israeli army vehicles block a road during an Israeli military operation in the West Bank city of Jenin, 14 March 2025. (EPA)

Israel has significantly expanded and consolidated settlements in the occupied West Bank as part of the steady integration of these territories into the State of Israel, in breach of international law, the UN human rights office said on Tuesday.

The report to be presented to the UN Human Rights Council later this month comes amid growing fears of annexation amid US policy shifts under President Donald Trump and new settler outposts in areas of the West Bank seen as part of a future Palestinian state.

"The transfer by Israel of parts of its own civilian population into the territory it occupies amounts to a war crime," UN High Commissioner Volker Turk said in a statement accompanying the report, urging the international community to take meaningful action on Israel’s advancing settlement.

"Israel must immediately and completely cease all settlement activities and evacuate all settlers, stop the forcible transfer of the Palestinian population, and prevent and punish attacks by its security forces and settlers," he said.

Israel disengaged from the UN Human Rights Council earlier this year, alleging a chronic anti-Israeli bias. Its military says it is conducting counter-terrorism operations in the West Bank and targeting suspected militants.