Red Cross appeals for access to Syria wounded
GENEVA - The head of the International Committee of the Red Cross appealed Friday to Syria for access to those wounded and detained in clashes with security forces, saying he would meet personally with authorities if necessary to ensure the neutral body reaches those parts of the country where violence is occurring.
The ICRC said it has managed to conduct short visits with the Syrian Arab Red Crescent to Daraa, Tartous and Homs in the past month, but they weren't sufficient for the Red Cross to carry out its work.
"Despite repeated requests to the Syrian authorities, we have not been granted meaningful access to those in need," ICRC president Jakob Kellenberger said.
Syria renews crackdown; Scores reported dead
Syria accused of torturing 2nd teenager to death
Complete coverage: Anger in the Arab World
The Geneva-based group commonly visits those wounded and detained in conflicts around the world by promising governments complete confidentiality in return for access.
"I stand ready to go to Syria myself to hold talks with the authorities," Kellenberger said. "Vital humanitarian assistance must reach vulnerable people without delay."
The push for access came Friday as Syrian forces shelled a town in the country's restive north and opened fire on scattered protests nationwide, killing at least 21 people, according to activists. Hundreds of Syrians streamed across the border into Turkey, trying to escape the violence.
A Syrian opposition figure told The Associated Press by telephone that thousands of protesters overwhelmed security officers and torched the courthouse and police station in the northern town of Maaret al-Numan, and the army responded with tank shells. The man spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter.
Syria's state-run television appeared to confirm at least part of the report, saying gunmen opened fire on police stations in Maaret al-Numan, causing casualties among security officials.
ICRC spokesman Hicham Hassan said reports of hundreds killed or wounded, and thousands detained during the anti-government uprising are credible. Thousands more are believed confined to their homes because of the violence, he said.
Human rights groups have put the number of people killed at 1,300, claiming most are unarmed civilians.