The Syrian authorities agreed to keep open for another three months the Bab al-Salama and al-Rai border crossings, through which the UN delivers humanitarian aid from Turkey to opposition-controlled areas of northern Syria. Only UN cargo will be allowed to cross the checkpoint.
“The solution is based on Syria’s desire to strengthen stability and improve the living conditions of all Syrians. We are doing everything possible to ensure that humanitarian assistance reaches everyone who needs it,” said Basam Sabbah, Syrian representative to the UN.
The Assad regime agreed to open the crossing on February 13, a week after the deadly earthquake that killed 50,000 people in Syria and Turkey. Opposition-controlled areas in northwestern Syria have been among the hardest hit.