Sunday, the Head of the International Committee of the Red Cross' (ICRC) delegation in Syria Philip Spoerri praised Jordan's humanitarian efforts and contributions to aid Syrian refugees in the Kingdom.

Spoerri told reporters that cooperation on humanitarian matters between the Jordanian authorities and the ICRC's delegations has been close and continuous, stressing that the comitteea appreciates the Kingdom's move to create safe corridors that allow for the smooth flow of humanitarian assistance to Syria.

He indicated that the situation in southern Syria is currently stable and that after the reopening of borders, these corridors will no longer be needed. Spoerri also noted that the committee's Syria mission was one of the largest in the world with a humanitarian aid budget of USD 200 million.

While assuring that Syria was heading toward stability in military terms, the Spoerri warned that the country is now caught in the grip of economic deterioration exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic, the failure to bring about a political endgame to the crisis and the ongoing international sanctions.

He noted that the war damaged 50 percent of the country's infrastructure and said power and water stations are in need of maintenance and rehabilitation to prevent further deterioration.

Regarding the return of Syrian refugees to Syria, Spoerri said "We have put forward conditions that must be met in order for the return of refugees to be safe and voluntary."