UAE participates in Friends of Syria Group's meeting in Paris

The UAE has participated in the meeting of the Group of Friends of the Syrian People, held in the French capital to discuss the humanitarian situation and developments on the ground in Aleppo city, a ceasefire there as well as the significance of developing a comprehensive strategy for the coming period.

"What is happening on the ground now in Aleppo and other besieged areas puts the international community in a difficult situation and takes us further away from a political solution," said Fares Al Mazrouei, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation for Security and Military Affairs, who headed the UAE delegation at the meeting.

Syria is witnessing the worst humanitarian disaster in the world since World War II while sporadic military operations serve the interests of terrorist originations and further enhance their influence, Al Mazrouie explained.

Dr. Riyad Hijab, General Coordinator of the High Negotiations Committee of the Syrian Opposition, and Brita Hagi Hasan, President of the Aleppo Local Council, participated in the Paris meeting.

He gave a briefing about the tragic situation in Aleppo and the policy of forced displacement that can lead to catastrophic consequences.

Dr. Hijab further underlined the importance of implementing international resolutions advancing the political process and initiating serious negotiations.

On Friday, US Secretary of State John Kerry had announced another meeting that was held yesterday, Saturday, in Geneva, Switzerland, by the US and Russian to discuss a ceasefire to enable civilians and opposition fighters to leave Aleppo and allow humanitarian aid access to the city.