United States Mission to the United Nations
Office of Press and Public Diplomacy
For Immediate Release
June 23, 2023
Readout of Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield’s Meeting with Raed Al-Saleh, Chairman of Syria Civil Defense
The below is attributable to U.S. Mission to the United Nations Spokesperson Nate Evans:
Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, U.S. Representative to the United Nations, met today in New York City with Raed Al-Saleh, Chairman of the Syria Civil Defense, also known as the White Helmets. The Ambassador underscored the United States’ commitment to the humanitarian response for the people of Syria, including those in the northwest, and she commended the continued bravery and lifesaving work of the White Helmets, including in the aftermath of February’s devastating earthquakes.
Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield and Chairman Al-Saleh discussed the availability of and immediate needs for aid, supplies, and engagement with the United Nations and other non-governmental organizations to continue providing support to Syria’s most vulnerable. To this extent, the Ambassador shared the United States’ efforts to work toward a UN Security Council resolution that extends the UN cross-border aid mechanism into northwest Syria at Bab al-Hawa, as well as the crossings at Bab al-Salam and al-Rai, for 12 months.
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