UN humanitarian office ready to give post-quake aids to Iran

“I commend the (Iranian) Government's efforts to save lives and alleviate the suffering of hundreds of thousands of people in the earthquake zone,” UN News Center quoted Mark Lowcock as saying.

“During my visit, I also reiterated the UN’s readiness to support the Government by providing humanitarian aid if it is required to fill any gaps in the response,” he added.

“In his meetings with senior officials, Mr. Lowcock discussed the promotion of emergency preparedness efforts, international cooperation in disaster response, enhancing the capacity of the urban search and rescue teams, and exchange of technical expertise and knowledge with Iran,” the UN reported.

“Mr. Lowcock’s discussions with the Government also covered major humanitarian crises, including in Syria, Yemen and the situation of the Rohyingha refugees. He urged the Iranian government to help facilitate response efforts, assistance and protection for the crisis-affected people, and humanitarian access.”

“Mr. Lowcock met with Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammad Javad Zarif, Deputy Minister of Interior Shojaei KIasari and National Disaster Management Office officials, the Head of the Iranian Parliament National Security and Foreign Affairs Commission Alaeddin Borojerdi, the President of the Iranian Red Crescent Society, Dr. Aliasghar Peyvandi, the Director
General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mohammed Farazmand for Arab States and Middle East, United Nations representatives and foreign diplomats,' according to UN News Center website.

The 7.3-magnitude earthquake on November 12 shook the western Iranian province of Kermanshah and the regions bordering Iraq last week killing at least 437 people and injuring over ten thousands others.

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