News   /   Reports

West's support for Syrians tiny compared to aid for Ukrainians

Jerome Hughes
Press TV, Brussels

Representatives from 55 countries and 22 international organizations gathered in Brussels on Tuesday to raise money for Syrians, impacted by more than a decade of conflict.

Aid agencies say that amount pales into insignificance when compared to the colossal amount of money the West continues to pump into the Ukrainian army. Not to mention the cost of taking in a huge number of Ukrainian refugees.

Rights groups point out that seven million Syrian refugees fled to neighboring countries while the EU closed its borders to them during the past 11 years. Recently, within weeks, the EU welcomed five million Ukrainian refugees.

For the first time, Russia was not invited to the annual fundraising conference for Syria in Brussels. Moscow was even singled out for blame.

Critics say it was in fact the US and its EU allies that tore Syria apart and then turned their backs on the Syrian people. The West tried in vain for years to oust Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

Russia should have been invited to the Brussels conference, it's suggested. Analysts say Vladimir Putin's address, delivered last Monday, was moderate in tone.

Delegates heard how 90% of people in Syria are living in poverty. Groups like Oxfam and Save the Children say all the financial pledges made must be kept. That has not happened in previous years.


Press TV’s website can also be accessed at the following alternate addresses:

www.presstv.co.uk

SHARE THIS ARTICLE
Press TV News Roku