Interview with the German Red Cross: How do we help flood victims in Iran?
The German Red Cross's public relations director clarified in an interview with Deutsche Welle Farsi that humanitarian aid is not subject to EU sanctions against Iran. The first plane carrying German Red Cross aid will be dispatched to Tehran on Thursday.
Following statements by Iranian officials about preventing the Red Cross from sending humanitarian aid to flood victims in Iran due to US sanctions, Deutsche Welle's Persian service contacted the German Red Cross and asked them about the matter.
Dr. Dieter Schütz, head of public relations for the German Red Cross, clarified that humanitarian aid is not subject to sanctions against Iran. According to him, the plane carrying this aid was financially supported by the German Foreign Ministry.
DW: Has the German Red Cross sent humanitarian aid to the flood victims in Iran so far?
Dieter Schütz: The German Red Cross and the Iranian Red Crescent have a long-standing and long-standing cooperation both in the field of natural disasters and in strengthening their capabilities, especially in the field of using life-sniffing dogs.
Our sister organization, the Iranian Red Crescent, requested assistance from the German Red Cross after the floods in Iran. Tomorrow (Thursday, April 4), a plane carrying aid from the German Red Cross will fly to Tehran. At the request of the Iranian Red Crescent, we are sending inflatable lifeboats and special equipment for rescue in fast-flowing waters to this country.
Have you had any problems sending aid to Iran due to US sanctions?
The subject is humanitarian aid for those who have been victims of the recent devastating floods in Iran. This humanitarian aid is not subject to EU sanctions against Iran. The International Committee of the Red Cross and Red Crescent operates on the principles of non-partisanship, independence and impartiality, so that the satisfaction of people in emergency situations is its top priority.
Iranian officials claim that sanctions against Iran by the United States have prevented any financial aid from being sent to Iran. Can you confirm this?
We cannot comment on this.
Has the Iranian government directly requested assistance from the German Red Cross?
The German Red Cross works exclusively with its sister organization, the Iranian Red Crescent. The Iranian Red Crescent asked us to specifically support the victims of the recent floods in Iran. The German Foreign Ministry has financially supported our humanitarian aid flight.
Source: DW
