Syria - Q&A - Excerpts from the daily press briefing (July 27th, 2018)

A - Our cooperation with Russia has helped French aid shipments to be delivered swiftly and in secure conditions. All non-perishable goods included in the humanitarian operation have been distributed to the population of Eastern Ghouta. Perishable goods, essentially medicines, are being stored in adequate conditions that will allow them to be used as needed. The operation was coordinated by the UN, which ensured that it proceeded smoothly on the ground. We offer them our gratitude for their commitment and effectiveness.

We reaffirm that the operation was conducted for the sole purpose of providing necessary emergency aid to the residents of Eastern Ghouta. It was one of many initiatives we are taking to assist the most vulnerable populations in Syria, wherever they may be.

We hope to work with Russia to bring the viewpoints of countries with influence in Syria closer together, thereby creating the conditions for an inclusive, sustainable political solution. In order to succeed, it remains necessary to fully abide by the terms of UN Security Council Resolution 2401. Only a political solution to the Syrian crisis will make it possible to end the violence against civilians, reestablish a civil peace, and begin rebuilding the country. Our position on this subject remains unchanged.