Japan to offer healthcare support for Syrian opposition-held areas

Japan will offer healthcare support to people in Syria's opposition-controlled areas in coordination with rebel forces and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida said Tuesday. "Japan has decided to implement initiatives as early as this summer, Kishida said in a statement, expressing grave concern about the protracted violent conflict in Syria. Japan has so far offered humanitarian assistance totaling approximately USD 80 million to support refugees and evacuees in Syria through collaboration with international organizations and NGOs, according to the minister. "However, there are some regions within the country that cannot be reached by the support of the Syrian government and international organizations. Support for people in these areas is an urgent issue," said Kishida. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is expected to unveil the initiatives at the Group of Eight summit in Northern Ireland starting next Monday.