Syrian Bishop Criticises Sanctions
Life for the Syrian people is very difficult. The Maronite Catholic Archbishop of Damascus has criticised the international sanctions against Syria. He has stated that the sanctions are making life very difficult for the Syrian people.
By ACN Staff
Melkite Greek Catholic Archbishop Jean-Clément Jeanbart of Aleppo. (Credit: Aid to the Church in Need)
The Maronite Catholic Archbishop of Damascus, Samir Nassar, has criticised the sanctions placed on Syria. The archbishop said the following in a message sent to Aid to the Church in Need (ACN):
Maronite Archbishop Samir Nassar of the Archeparchy of Damascus at Fatima. (Credit: Santuário de Fátima)
“Day and night, families have to stand in line in a number of interminable queues [to get food]. This chaotic scene has become the norm. This is the place where they learn patience, meet their new neighbours, control their anger, and pray their rosary in silence. But mainly it is a place to live out this calvary without complaining too much.”
Syria is facing a financial meltdown. This has been caused by a series of factors such as the ongoing civil war, financial difficulties in Syria’s key trading partner Lebanon, and international sanctions against Syria. In 2011, before the civil war, a 2kg loaf of bread cost 15 Syrian Pounds. Today the same loaf of bread cost between 100 and 500 Syrian Pounds. In February 2020, the Syrian Government introduced “smartcards” to give rationed access to necessities such as bread and rice at subsides prices.
The archbishop explains that people must wait a long time in queues in order to access food with the cards:
“Syria sees its people leaving home very early in the morning so that they can get a place in the queue in front of the bakeries, the food stores, petrol stations, and bus stops. To stay standing for a long time is tiring in itself, so some bring folding stools whilst others sit down on the ground… the handicapped and the elderly have the first place. Impatient military personnel rarely join the queue.”
Archbishop Nassar is not alone in his assessment. Earlies this year Melkite Greek Catholic Archbishop Jean-Clément Jeanbart of Aleppo said the following to ACN about the sanctions:
“The sanctions have no result other than making people suffer and become poor and miserable. They will have no effect on the government and their policies, because the government is away from the effects of the sanctions.”
Since the conflict began, ACN has been providing emergency aid such as milk, food and medicine to most vulnerable in Syria, including children, the elderly and people with disabilities. ACN is committed to helping the Church in Syria and Syrian Christians remain in their country. Please pray with us for the intercession of Our Lady for the relief of the Syrian people.