Ensour says more int’l assistance needed to mitigate impact of refugee crisis

AMMAN — Deputising for His Majesty King Abdullah, Prime Minister Abdullah Ensour met on Monday with International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) President Peter Maurer and discussed international support to Jordan.

The direct cost of hosting Syrian refugees amounts to JD3 billion, the premier said at the meeting with Maurer and his accompanying delegation, attended by Water Minister Hazem Nasser. 

Ensour highlighted pressures on the water, education, health, and service sectors in host communities, pointing out that the presence of thousands of Syrian refugees has exacerbated the country’s water problem.

Maurer expressed his appreciation of Jordan’s efforts, noting that the ICRC increased its assistance to Jordan to 30 million Swiss francs (around JD23 million) during the last six months.

Discussions also covered the latest regional developments, mainly the Palestinian issue and the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

Also on Monday, Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh met with Maurer and discussed the ongoing cooperation between Jordan and the ICRC.

Commending the ICRC’s role, Judeh said Jordan needs more assistance to enable it to pursue its humanitarian role in assisting Syrian refugees, whose number exceeds 600,000.

He also highlighted the importance of a political solution to the Syrian crisis to guarantee the return of refugees to their homes.

Talks also addressed the conditions in Gaza and the importance of delivering humanitarian assistance, supplies and water to the strip.

Maurer thanked the authorities for their efforts to facilitate the ICRC’s humanitarian mission, stressing his organisation’s commitment to continuing cooperation with Jordan.