“We have to see results of this visit materialize in the next couple of weeks”
GENEVA, SWITZERLAND – ICRC (International Red Cross) President Peter Maurer, back in Geneva after a three-day visit to Damascus and meetings with top officials from both sides of the conflict, said at a press conference that “”President al-Assad agreed on the necessity of urgently boosting humanitarian aid, enabling us to step up our activities,” but he noted that “”We have to see results of this visit materialize in the next couple of weeks.”
Maurer told journalists that he was shocked by the “immense destruction of infrastructure and homes” in several areas he visited.
“Many people who could be saved are dying because they lack access to medical care. Health-care workers must be protected.” He noted that”Since the conflict in Syria erupted there have been many casualties, and now the situation is rapidly deteriorating even further.”
Slideshow of Maurer’s ICRC visit to Syria 3-6 September
Video interview. ICRC, with Peter Maurer 7 September, about his Syrian visit
