Monday, November 26, 2012

Re: Neil MacFarquhar inaccuracy re Syria

Alan sent me this: 

"Neil MacFarquhar inaccuracy re Syria
Contrast and compare
Neil says: “only eight foreign aid organizations to operate”
European Union say: “granted formal approval to 8 additional International Non-Governmental Organisations”
Neil MacFarquhar in the NYT “Cold Ravages Syria Refugees as Aid Falters” November 24, 2012
Says;
“The Syrian government has allowed only eight foreign aid organizations to operate; all were already working in Syria before the uprising started in March 2011, helping Iraqi refugees.”
European Union HIP (Humanitarian Implementation Plan Syria Crises) Version 2 update 20/07/12 ECHO/SYR/BUD/2012/91000
Says;
“Despite the escalation of fighting and access concerns, humanitarian assistance is steadily scaling up and is now being mobilised and implemented. The Government of Syria (GoS) has by and large delivered on its commitment to facilitate humanitarian aid (made in June at the 3rd Syria Humanitarian Forum) and the Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC) has granted formal approval to 8 additional International Non-Governmental Organisations (INGOs) to work in Syria, expanding the number of possible implementing partners in the country (namely Action Contre La Faim, Première Urgence, Danish Refugee Council, International Medical Corps, Help, Institut Européen de Coopération et de Développement, Secours Islamique France, Terres des Hommes-Italy).”

Note to As’ad: I attach a copy of the European Union’s Humanitarian Implementation Plan - Syria Crises document as the updated revised edition has removed this reference, perhaps it is seen as to favourable toward the Syrian government / regime."