Interview with German Red Cross: How We Are Helping Iran’s Flood Victims
The public relations director of the German Red Cross clarified in an interview with Deutsche Welle Farsi that humanitarian aid is not subject to European Union sanctions against Iran. The first airplane carrying aid from the German Red Cross will be sent to Tehran on Thursday.
Following statements by Iranian officials about preventing the delivery of Red Cross humanitarian aid to Iran’s flood victims due to American sanctions, the Farsi service of Deutsche Welle contacted the German Red Cross organization and inquired about this matter.
Dr. Dieter Schutz, head of public relations at the German Red Cross, clarified that humanitarian aid is not subject to sanctions against Iran. According to him, the airplane carrying this aid has received financial support from the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Deutsche Welle: Has the German Red Cross previously sent humanitarian aid to Iran’s flood victims?
Dieter Schutz: The German Red Cross and the Iranian Red Crescent have a long-standing and extensive cooperation both in the field of natural disasters and in strengthening their capabilities, particularly in the use of search and rescue dogs.
Our sister organization, the Iranian Red Crescent, requested assistance from the German Red Cross following the floods in Iran. Tomorrow (Thursday, 15 Farvardin / April 4), an airplane carrying aid from the German Red Cross will fly to Tehran. Based on the request of the Iranian Red Crescent, we are sending inflatable rescue boats and specialized water rescue equipment to this country.
Have you faced any difficulties in sending aid to Iran due to American sanctions?
The matter concerns humanitarian aid for those who have become victims of the recent devastating floods in Iran. This humanitarian aid is not subject to European Union sanctions against Iran. The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement operates on the basis of principles of impartiality, independence, and neutrality in order to be able to meet the needs of people in emergency situations as their primary priority.
Iranian officials claim that sanctions against Iran by the United States have made it impossible to send any financial aid to Iran. Can you confirm this?
We cannot comment on this matter.
Has the Iranian government directly requested aid 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 those who have become victims of the recent floods in Iran. The German Ministry of Foreign Affairs has provided financial support for our airplane carrying humanitarian aid.
Source: DW
