Diplomacy only path to end conflict, says apostolic nuncio to Damascus
Damascus (AsiaNews) - "We can see signs that future talks between rebels and regime are possible. Let us make sure they do not unravel," said Mgr Mario Zenari. Some rebel factions and members of the regime appear in fact eager to end the fighting, the apostolic nuncio told AsiaNews, but "Such a small chance could unravel quickly". For the Vatican diplomat, "diplomacy is the only path to stop the bloodbath". So far, 70,000 people have died and another million have been displaced.
The nuncio's statement comes at a time when the Friends of Syria are meeting in Rome in the presence of the new US Secretary of State John Kerry who wants to find a final settlement to the war in Syria. Hillary Clinton's successor has hinted that the US might increase non-lethal aid to the rebels.
Washington has said that it would provide the Syrian opposition, which includes Islamist fighters, with food, medical supplies, military training, armoured vehicles and night vision equipment worth US$ 60 million.
However, in Paris Kerry said the United States would favour talks, urging the rebels to seek alternative solutions to weapons.
Meanwhile, fighting in Syria between rebels and troops loyal to Bashar al-Assad is intensifying. Mortar shells fell on the University of Damascus and the Umayyad Mosque, one of the oldest Sunni places of worship, in retaliation for air strikes in Aleppo.
The humanitarian situation is catastrophic with few options to provide the civilian population with supplies. "The Church is on the frontline to help refugees and displaced people, but its resources are concentrated in Lebanon and Jordan," Bishop Zenari said. Case in point, the prelate noted, is the recent meeting of Caritas for the Middle East and North Africa in Amman, chaired by Card Robert Sarah, president of the Pontifical Council Cor Unum.
"At present, the Church is evaluating with other organisations how to deliver aid inside the country, but that means overcoming a number of obstacles," the nuncio said.
Areas under siege like Aleppo are in dire need for basic food and medical supplies, he explained, but it has been impossible to reach them so far. Government red tape has been an additional burden since the authorities want to prevent food supplies from falling into rebel hands. (S.C.)
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