As the UN humanitarian chief is on a visit to Syria, Syrian Prime Minister says that the Arab and Western sanctions have only targeted the innocent Syrians.

As the UN humanitarian chief is on a visit to Syria, Syrian Prime Minister says that the Arab and Western sanctions have only targeted the innocent Syrians.

Arab and Western sanctions on the regime "have only affected innocent Syrians," new premier Wael Halqi said, according to the state news agency SANA.
Halqi said he had faith in "Syria's capacity to resist, to overcome the crisis and to bring about reconciliation, security and stability across the country".

Valerie Amos held talks with a number of Syrian officials including al-Halqi on a mission to discuss how to step up relief efforts.

For his part, State minister for national reconciliation Ali Haidar said his office's priority was to "stop the violence," and that the return of displaced Syrians to their homes was "a mission of the Syrian government, not of the UN or international institutions," according to SANA.

"It is impossible to address a humanitarian situation in any region without taking into account the security situation there and the violence that surrounds it," said Haidar.