As the EU voted to halt an embargo on weapons deliveries to the Syrian opposition, the humanitarian situation may reach a critical point, Natalia Alfonso, Head of Oxfam’s EU Office, told RT.
RT:Your agency has warned of "devastating
consequences" if more arms are sent into Syria. What will they
be?
Natalia Alfonso: Well, the consequences are quite clear.
This is a conflict that has been going on two years, there are
seven million people who are affected and in need of humanitarian
aid within Syria…and there have been more than 80,000 deaths. So
bringing in more arms and munitions (into Syria) we definitely do
not see as an answer to solve the conflict.
RT:Your group has been advocating bringing the arms
flow into Syria under control, warning against the risks of
weapons used for the violation of human rights - why are your
calls not heard?
NA: The officials last night from the EU foreign
ministries, we believe that up to a point our calls have been
listened to, although not followed completely. Why? Well, due to
the non-extension of the embargo…We are disappointed that the
arms embargo was not extended as it stands. So there was kind of
a mixed message that was sent yesterday by the EU: We have good
news that they are not going to do anything until the first of
August, so they’re giving a little bit of time. They’re putting
certain conditions, which is very welcome. And they are placing
emphasis on a political solution, which we believe is where the
EU should actually put its weight. The negative news is that
they’ve failed to extend the embargo, and there is a risk of
these arms – if they get into the country – will fuel the
conflict and cause human rights violations.
RT:What risks are the UK and France running, deciding
to arm the rebels?
NA: Well, it is not really them. We call for the halt of
arms to all parties in Syria. We believe obviously that a
political solution has to be found. This is a conflict of two
years, and we don’t see, really, the point of creating a level
playing field. We will see that these arms and ammunition will
just create more conflict and more of a risk for civilians.
RT:Moscow says the end of the EU embargo undermines
peace efforts, while the UK believes arming the rebels would
complement, rather than work against the peace process - what’s
your take?
NA: We need to ensure that all the warring parties, ensure
that the civilians are protected, that they have humanitarian
access to the aid that they need, and that they’re protected
because they are suffering the consequences of this conflict.
RT:What pressure's put on the rebels to take part in
peace talks, now that they will have weapons?
NA: Well, arming the rebels will not create a level
playing field, because when the rebels get their arms the
government will get more arms so there is going to be an arms
race more than a solution.
RT:What would Oxfam like to see done for the people of
Syria?
NA: We welcome the initiative for a peace conference from
Russia and the United States. The pressure is put on the rebels
and we really hope they see an opportunity and they will grasp
that opportunity on peace talks, not on a military confrontation
that has been going on for too long with too many deaths.
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