SYRIAN EMERGENCY TASK FORCE

February 14th, 2012 Contact: info@syriantaskforce.org

SETF Supports the Formation of Humanitarian Coalition to Send More Aid Into Syria WASHINGTON- The Syrian Emergency Task Force gives it full support to the new coalition of humanitarian organizations to help ensure a more speedy transfer of humanitarian and medical aid into Syria. Currently, Syria is experiencing a humanitarian disaster of unprecedented levels. The Syrian- American community along with the greater worldwide Syrian expatriate community- has been actively involved in sending humanitarian aid and medical supplies into the country as many hospitals, pharmacies and clinics have been closed, damaged or destroyed by Syrian security forces. SETF reiterates it call to all segments of the international community, including the United Nations, ICRC and individual nations to immediately get involved in this humanitarian crisis and demand a humanitarian corridor be established to allow for the transfer of aid and medical supplies into Syria- especially to the stricken city of Homs and the regions of Idlib and Hama. A press conference will take place on February 14th from 3:30-4:30pm at the National Press Club to discuss the current humanitarian crisis in Syria and announce the formation of this coalition. The following organizations are listed as coalition partners: Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS), Syrian Expatriate Medical Association (SEMA), Union of Syrian Medical Relief Organizations, The Syrian British Medical Society, Syrian Expatriates Organization (SEO) and the Syrian Emergency Task Force (SETF). Representatives of the Union of Syrian Medical Relief Organizations and the Syrian American Medical Society will be on hand to make statements regarding the humanitarian crisis inside Syria and discuss the current needs of the Syrian people. Media inquiries are welcome. For any further information, please contact our Executive Office, at (202) 420-7881 or at sasha@syriantaskforce.org. Updated news and information can also be found at http://www.syriantaskforce.org

1 Syrian Emergency Task Force 888 16th st NW, suite 800, Washington DC 20036