Syria slams UN envoy's remarks on gov't "seriousness" of letting in humanitarian aids

Syria's Foreign Ministry on Tuesday slammed remarks of the UN peace envoy that questions the seriousness of the Syrian government in letting in aid to besieged areas.

The ministry said "the Syrian government doesn't allow Mistrura or anyone else to speak about testing the seriousness of Syria in any subject whatsoever."

"Syria now needs to test the truthfulness of the UN envoy," the ministry added.

It's a response to the short remarks of UN envoy Staffan de Mistura on Tuesday following his meeting with Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem.

While saying he had a "useful meeting" with al-Moallem on the need to have unhindered humanitarian access to all Syrian cities, whether those besieged by the government or the armed opposition, Mistura said the willingness of the government is going to be tested on Wednesday when aid convoys are planned to enter several besieged Syrian areas.

"It's clear it's the duty of the government of Syria to want to reach every Syrian person wherever they are with humanitarian aid, particularly now tomorrow we will have a test of that and we will be able to talk more about it," Mistura said.

The ministry said entry of aid to besieged areas and people in need is its national duty and has nothing to do with international meetings.

Earlier in the day, al-Moallem told Mistura that delivering aid to the people in need emanates from the government' duties, and it's not related to the Geneva talks.

Al-Moallem also underscored the need for Western countries to lift their unilateral sanctions on Syria.

Mistura said after the meeting with al-Moallem that they discussed the humanitarian access to all besieged Syrian areas, not only those besieged by the government, but those under the siege of the opposition and the Islamic State group as well. Endit