UAE announces $300m in aid for displaced Syrians

UAE has announced US$300 million as financial aid to support the humanitarian situation in Syria. His Highness Gen. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, who is leading the UAE delegation made this announcement at the International Donors Conference for Syria, which opened yesterday in Kuwait by H.H. Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah the Amir of Kuwait to support the humanitarian situation. Sheikh Mohammed said: "The UAE as per directives of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan initiated humanitarian work since the beginning of the events in Syria, to fulfil its responsibilities in providing relief to the Syrian refugees in neighbouring countries." The UAE high-profile delegation includes H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Foreign Minister, Dr. Obaid Humaid Al Tayer, Minister of State for Financial Affairs, the Under Secretary of the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince's Court, Mohammed Mubarak Al Mazrouei, Faris Mohammed Al Mazrouei, the Assistant Foreign Minister for Security and Military Affairs, and the UAE Ambassador to Kuwait, Ali Ahmad bin Shakir Al-Zaabi. In his speech to the meeting, Sheikh Mohammed said: '' The UAE has participated in all efforts meant to help the brotherly Syrian people and has supported the Arab and International initiatives aimed at putting an end to the tragedy and sufferings as well as achieving their legitimate aspirations in free and decent life," adding that the UAE's announcement yesterday is a continuation of UAE support to the Syrians.' Referring to the horrific events experienced by Syria and the human tragedy witnessed by the people of the country, the Crown Prince said that they were "Immense and Terrible'' by all accounts" and that "the daily destruction in Syria has stirred human emotions and put a great challenge to the international conscience.'' "The plight of civilians in Syria is a test for the legitimate, humanitarian and moral responsibility of the international community to secure protection for them,'' he added. He stressed the importance of rallying international and regional efforts to secure the humanitarian needs of the displaced Syrians, providing immediate relief that can reach the eligible refugees and others who are affected by the extreme cold this winter. He went on to thank the Emir of Kuwait, H.H. Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, for his generous initiative and his organisation of the conference, noting his personal efforts in the humanitarian field and assisting the needy. He conveyed the greetings of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and his best wishes to the Emir of Kuwait and to other participants as well as his hopes that the conference would succeed in achieving its humanitarian goals. He also praised the role of Secretary-General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon in calling for the holding of the conference and his relentless efforts in rallying international support to secure the needs of the Syrian people. Sheikh Mohammed concluded: '' The grave responsibility of the international community in rescue of the Syrian people comes from its legitimate, humanitarian and moral commitments." "Now," he said, "is the time to fulfil these commitments," referring that this is the time of fulfilling these commitments."