US urges UN to stop making aid to Syria a political issue

United Nations:  US Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged the divided UN Security Council on Monday to stop making humanitarian aid to war-torn Syria a political issue and open more border crossings to get food and other help to 13.4 million people in need.
Referring especially to Russia and its close ally Syrian President Bashar Assad, Blinken said the council should also stop taking part in or making excuses for attacks on hospitals and near the only authorized crossing point, which has closed off pathways to assistance.
The United States holds the rotating presidency of the Security Council this month and Blinken chaired the virtual meeting. He called for a political solution as the Syrian conflict marks its 10th anniversary.
Stressing that all council members either have children or grandchildren, he asked how it was possible not to find in our hearts the common humanity to actually take meaningful action.  Blinken, who has young children, asked council members to think of their children.
Despite our differences we have to find a way to do something to take action to help people. That is our responsibility, and shame on us if we don’t meet it,” he said.