International Syria Support Group: Airdrops Debate
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Jim Shannon
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International Syria Support Group: Airdrops
Jim Shannon Excerpts(8 years, 6 months ago)
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Mr Lidington
Yes, we shall, and we will continue that in Geneva this afternoon.
Jim Shannon (Strangford) (DUP)
I thank the Minister for his statement. According to the UN, 600,000 people are in danger of starvation, but the Syrian Government say that airdrops are not necessary because there is no starvation, so there is clearly a difference of opinion. We need to secure support from the Syrian Government and the Russians. We in Britain pride ourselves on our tradition of helping others, both domestically and abroad. If we cannot secure land access and if the only way is by air, will the Government support the UN in pushing ahead with that to ensure that there is not a humanitarian crisis and that people do not starve?
Mr Lidington
Yes. It was my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary who pressed at the previous ISSG meeting for airdrops to be considered as a last resort, and if we cannot secure the access that the UN, with our support, is seeking, we will have to return to that possibility.