UNITED NATIONS: Sponsors of a U.N. resolution that would authorize cross-border delivery of humanitarian aid to Syrians in desperate need of food and medicine finalized the text ahead of a Security Council vote expected Monday.
The final draft, obtained Friday by the Associated Press, would authorize U.N. agencies and aid organizations that assist them to use routes across conflict lines and four border crossings - two in Turkey, one in Iraq and one in Jordan - for 180 days in addition to those already in use to ensure the delivery of humanitarian assistance.
Russia, Syria's closest ally, is not expected to block approval of the resolution, said diplomats, speaking on condition of anonymity because the talks were private.
U.N. humanitarian chief Valerie Amos told the council two weeks ago that using the border crossings could reach approximately 1.3 million people who have not received aid.