UN Security Council fails to extend mandate allowing aid delivery to NW Syria

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The United Nations Security Council on Friday failed to pass two resolutions demanding the extension of aid delivery to rebel-held areas in northwest Syria for between six months and a year, days before the current resolution expires. 

The Council extended aid delivery to Syria through the Bab al-Hawa border crossing last year but the one-year mandate ends on Sunday. The Council convened on Friday to discuss the extension of the aid delivery. 

Norway and Ireland drafted a resolution which demanded the extension of the mandate for one year but it was vetoed by Russia. 

Another resolution, drafted by Russia, demanded the extension of aid delivery to northwest Syria for six months but it did not gain enough votes. 

US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield told the members that her country “and many others wanted a more expansive resolution that would open more border crossings.”

The vote was due on Thursday but it was postponed to Friday due to disagreements between Russia and Western countries. 

The members of the Council have until Sunday to resolve disagreements and extend the mandate.