KUWAIT, March 31 (KUNA) -- UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said on Tuesday that Kuwaitis should be proud of their nation's major role in assisting those in need around the world, Syria in particular.
Speaking at a press conference after the conclusion of the Third International Humanitarian Pledging Conference for Syria in Kuwait which raised total pledges of USD 3.8 billion, he said that this was a great example of international coordination on the cause.
The international community has taken a huge step forward through pledging this amount, he said, promised by both governments and NGOs to the conflict which has entered a fifth year.
The sum will be go into supporting the Syria Strategic Response Plan (SRP) and the Regional Refugee and Resilience Plan (ERP) inside and outside of Syria, he said.
These initiatives will aim to overcome shortfalls in neighbouring countries address pressure placed on their infrastructure and economies through focusing on sustainable development, he said.
Pledges made at Kuwait II and I in 2014 and 2013, he said, contributed to providing food to over five million people every month, provided millions with access to clean drinking water, handed 17.5 million the opportunity for healthcare and allowed two million children to receive an education, he revealed.
Going on to point out the fierce conflict which does not seem to offer any distant solution thus far, he said many people continue to lose their homes as more and more hospitals and schools are being destroyed on a daily basis.
He concluded by referring to the best solution to the conflict being political, adding it was time to put into place a comprehensive transitional period led by Syrian factions according to the Geneva I Communique and the aspirations of the people.
He reiterated his gratitude to the Kuwaiti government's leading humanitarian role and commitment, led by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, adding that the world should be proud of its Humanitarian Leader.
The conference was held amid difficult political conditions, he said, while also shedding light on the difficulty of dispatching relief to Syrians inside their country.
This is due to the continuing violence, clashes and bloodshed, he said, along with the many checkpoints currently being administered by government or rebel forces.
In order to resolve this issue, a decision is needed that would oblige humanitarian cross-border assistance.
Money transfer to UN agencies is conducted in a transparent and organized manner, he explained, under extreme scrutiny, expressing full faith in his agencies.
Asked about the solution to the crises in Libya, Syria and Yemen he said envoys whom he met recently at the Arab Summit had been set for each and every one of them.
He underlined the need for a solution to any of these conflicts to be through dialogue not violence.
Ban also said of the Saudi-led offensive on Yemeni Houthi rebels that the Security Council had called on countless occasions to resolve the matter through dialogue.
About Syria, he said that despite hosting warring parties for a few meetings these talks have not resumed.
About Libya, he expressed hope steps for dialogue would continue and lead to positive results.
However, he conceded that sometimes the military option was necessary and effective but that peaceful political solutions were the more significant.
Stability and peace cannot be achieved without peaceful means, he said. (pickup previous) kt.sd