US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has backed an Australian-led plan to protect medical workers and maintain access to hospitals in war-torn Syria, Foreign Minister Bob Carr said Thursday.
Carr said the plan, which would help thousands cut off from basic care, was raised with America’s top diplomat during annual security and defence talks between the two nations in the Australian city of Perth on Wednesday.
The plan would involve securing a commitment from all sides in the conflict to not target medical personnel, ensure there is access to doctors, hospitals and emergency care, and agree not to attack medical facilities.
“I welcome Secretary Clinton’s support and her commendation of Australia’s initiative in supporting medical care for Syrian civilians,” he said in a statement.
The plan has also been positively received by the United Nations, the Arab League, joint special envoy to Syria Lakhdar Brahimi and from European and Arab foreign ministers, he added.
“This is a minimalist plan to protect hospitals and health workers in Syria and help the thousands of families cut off from basic care,” said Carr.
“American support will be critical in securing further international backing.”
Implementation would be monitored by a neutral third party such as a non-government organisation.
Clinton’s backing came as she announced on Wednesday US$30 million in extra humanitarian aid to those affected by the 20-month war in Syria, which has killed some 37,000 people.
The US is the largest contributor to humanitarian aid for Syria, followed by Britain and Australia.
Clinton 'backs Australian plan' to protect Syria medics
