UN chief welcomes Syrian transitional gov't commitment to protect civilians, including humanitarians

UNITED NATIONS, Dec. 16 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Monday that he welcomes the Syrian transitional government's commitment to protect civilians, including humanitarians, and their agreement to grant full humanitarian access through all border crossings.

"In response to recent developments in Syria, I dispatched my under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs and emergency relief coordinator, Tom Fletcher, to Damascus to engage with the caretaker government on scaling up humanitarian assistance in Syria," Guterres said in a statement.

Fletcher on Monday met with the commander of the new Syrian administration, Ahmed al-Sharaa, and the prime minister of the caretaker government, Mohammed al-Bashir, according to the statement.

The UN chief said he welcomes the caretaker government's commitment to protect civilians, including humanitarian workers.

"I also welcome their agreement to grant full humanitarian access through all border crossings; cut through bureaucracy over permits and visas for humanitarian workers; ensure the continuity of essential government services, including health and education; and engage in genuine and practical dialogue with the wider humanitarian community," Guterres said.

He called on the international community to rally behind the Syrian people as they "seize the opportunity to build a better future." ■