By Mohammad Al-Otaibi
NEW YORK, March 30 (KUNA) -- UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon hoped world leaders emulate His Highness the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah's humanitarian leadership, describing him as the "Global Humanitarian Champion." In an exclusive interview with Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) and Kuwait TV, Ban expressed his deepest appreciation to His Highness the Amir for his generous and compassionate leadership in hosting the third international donors conference (Kuwait III) for Syria.
Ban, noting the Syrian people dire need of resources of all kinds, called on the world leaders to take part in this pledging conference.
With the estimation of USD 8.4 billion set by the UN needed to address the current humanitarian crisis in 2015-16, Ban said USD 2.9 billion are for the Syrian response plan, and 5.5 billion are also needed for refugees in five neighboring countries - Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq and Egypt.
"I sincerely hope that the international community to render their warm helping hands," he said.
When asked about the commitment of many countries in past conferences, Ban said that there have been many promises but not all have been realized.
The UN Chief expressed his gratefulness that more than 90 percent of the pledges that have been committed in the last Kuwait conference.
"I particularly hope that countries in the region will come out with more generous support, as Kuwaiti government and people have always been, in helping those in need.
The UN Chief said that he is aware of all the current regional and international situations, where the deeds for humanitarian support has grown exponentially. There are some 12.5 million Syrians - internally displaced and refugees in neighboring countries - in need of help, and "we shall not abandon the." The "Syrian tragedy," as he described it, is entering its fifth year, and the UN chief stressed the necessity to solve the crisis through "political dialogue." In the absence of "Aleppo-freeze" progress, he said that they have held internal discussions to activate a political process to do so, and urged the implementation of the Communique of Geneva I.
"There is no other alternative but the political solution," he voiced.
Concluding his interview, Ban said that he has a "longstanding" relation with His Highness the Amir, where he has worked with him when he was the Prime Minister of Kuwait, and since then, he has always been impressed and touched by His Highness Sheikh Sabah's "compassionate and generous" leadership.
Kuwait hosted the first donors' conference for Syria in January 2013, where 43 Member States pledged USD 1.5 billion towards humanitarian efforts.
Those funds were used to provide life-saving assistance for people of Syria in need, as well as surrounding countries.
One year later, with the situation in Syria still deteriorating, Kuwait hosted the 2nd conference which aimed again at rallying international financial support for Syria, pledging USD 2.4 billion.
Upon the opening of the conference, His Highness Sheikh Sabah announced Kuwait's pledge of USD 500 million.
Kuwait to host the third international donors conference on March 31. (end) mao.bs