Jordan PM launches national campaign to help displaced Syrians

AMMAN - Jordan's Prime Minister Omar Razzaz on Sunday launched a nationwide campaign to provide aid to the displaced Syrians inside the Syrian territories.

In a post on his official Twitter account, Razzaz said the campaign seeks to reduce pressure on the Syrians and deliver aid to those in need.

"We announce the start of a national relief campaign to help the Syrians inside Syria and to reduce their suffering and despair," he said, adding that aid will be delivered via the Jordan Hashemite Charity Organization.

Also Sunday, a Jordanian official told Xinhua that 17 Jordanian trucks laden with aid and other supplies entered the Syrian territories and delivered aid to the displaced Syrians at the borders with Jordan after they fled the violence in South Syria.

The unnamed source added that the Jordan Armed Forces is supervising the delivery of the aid to the displaced Syrians after making necessary calls and arrangements with the fighting sides in Syria to reach a cease-fire to allow for the delivery of the aid.

The source added that scores of Jordanians started collecting donations on Sunday to provide aid and relief to the displaced Syrians, adding that aid includes foodstuff, water, medical supplies and other commodities.

Last week, Jordan announced that its borders with Syria will not be opened and that Jordan will not allow any new Syrian refugees to enter the kingdom.

According to official figures, there are 1.3 million Syrian refugees in Jordan.