S. African envoy reiterates deep concern on "dire humanitarian situation" in Syria

UNITED NATIONS, Feb. 26 (Xinhua) -- A South African envoy on Tuesday reiterated deep concern about "the dire humanitarian situation" in Syria, and called on the United Nations and the international community to further increase financial and material assistance to the Middle East country.

Speaking at the United Nations Security Council meeting on the situation in the Middle East, Jerry Matjila, permanent representative of South Africa to the UN said South Africa calls for the full implementation of Resolution 2449, which renewed the authorization for cross-border and cross-line humanitarian access to Syria.

"We welcome the ongoing de-escalation agreement between Turkey and Russia, which has averted catastrophic humanitarian consequences," the South African diplomat said.

South Africa reiterates its view that "the only sustainable solution to the Syrian question remains the achievement of a political solution through an inclusive Syrian-led dialogue aimed at achieving a political transition reflective of the will of the Syrian people with guaranteed protection for all groups in Syrian society," he said.