UN expected to extend Syria aid for six months

The operation to deliver food, medicine and shelter to northwestern Syria began in 2014, but has long been contentious.

The United Nations Security Council looks set to continue crucial cross-border aid to millions of people in northwestern Syria until January, according to diplomats, after days of wrangling with Russia over the huge operation.

The 15-member Security Council is expected to vote on the draft resolution for a six-month extension – put forward by Ireland and Norway and echoing a Russian text – on Tuesday.

The operation to deliver food, medicine and shelter to the opposition-controlled area of Syria began in 2014 but expired on Sunday. It needs council approval to continue because it does not have the support of the Syrian authorities.

The United States, France and the United Kingdom have argued six months is not long enough for aid groups to plan and operate effectively, but a proposal for a one-year extension, which was supported by 13 council members, was vetoed by Russia on Friday.

Russia says the UN aid operation violates Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and that more assistance should be delivered from inside the country. It earlier put forward a draft for a six-month extension, which the council rejected.