Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi stressed that there will be no alternative to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).

Safadi made the remarks after a meeting in Amman with the Commissioner-General of the UNRWA Philippe Lazzarini, according to a report by the Jordan News Agency – Petra.

Raising the alarm about the repercussions of the lack of financial support needed to ensure the continuity of UNRWA’s vital services across its five fields of operation, Safadi emphasized the need for maintaining the delivery of the agency’s services.

He pointed out that UNRWA’s services must continue until a just and lasting solution to the issue of Palestinian refugees is achieved, in accordance with international law and relevant UN resolutions, particularly Resolution 194, in the context of a comprehensive solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict on the basis of the two-state solution.

Meanwhile, Safadi and Lazzarini looked into joint efforts towards rallying support to the UNRWA in order for the agency to continue providing vital services, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The situation is very worrying for the refugees who rely on the agency, notably those who need treatment, food, as well as the children who need to go to schools," Safadi said.

Lazzarini commended Jordan's continuous efforts in rallying support to the agency, stressing that UNRWA's financial situation is critical and calling for urgent financial support.

On the payment of the salaries of UNRWA staff, Lazzarini stressed that the agency will pay full salaries for November, no later than mid-December, highlighting that UNRWA is making every effort to address the financial flow concerns to meet all financial obligations.

Safadi and Lazzarini also touched on the Stockholm Group meeting, scheduled this week to discuss the agency's financial situation, mainly the implications of the issue of salaries, with talks also covering the preparations for the international donors meeting in early 2021.