Sanctions and aid to Syria

"Humanitarian and developmental aid agencies in Syria say international sanctions against the country have made their operations harder.   Last August, Italian NGO Terres des Hommes (TDH) sent its regular request for a financial transfer from Europe for its aid operation in Syria.   Then it waited. And waited. And waited.   After 15 days of delay, it contacted the bank in Italy, which informed the NGO that the transfer had been rejected.   “Receiving money from Europe to Syria is a disaster,” said Emanuela Rizzo, TDH country representative. The bank required a long list of documents, including the NGO’s agreement with the UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, its memorandum of understanding with the Syrian Arab Red Crescent, a letter vowing not to fund “terrorist” groups, and a list of implementing partners." (thanks Laure)