FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The following statement seeks to clarify some issues related to Choubbak Amal’s communal
Kitchens operations in besieged areas. Out of respect to the staff’s efforts, Choubbak Amal is
compelled to bring recent events to light. Choubbak Amal has suffered from attempts aimed at
linking the association with several non-civilian parties. Moreover, these same perpetrators have
attempted to take hold of Choubbak Amal’s locales by the medium of parties deeply embedded with the
Syrian regime.
Firstly, with regards to the visit conducted by an INGO, accompanied by the “Syria Trust for
Development” to Choubbak Amal’s kitchen in Barzeh:
Choubbak Amal firmly denies any ties with the “Syria Trust for Development”, the organization
spearheaded by Asmaa Al Assad. Choubbak Amal also stands firm in its refusal to interact or engage
in any way with any organization affiliated to the Syrian regime while the latter is still bombing and
besieging areas outside of its control and oppressing civilians in areas it controls.
This impromptu visit was arranged with assistance from individuals associated with local actors
without the knowledge of Choubbak Amal’s management. The visit amounts to a serious security
breach. Choubbak Amal is chiefly concerned with the safety of its staff and beneficiaries and the
dangers should any names or beneficiaries’ list falls into the hands of the “Syria Trust for Development”.
Secondly, Choubbak Amal objects to any partnership or cooperation with any INGO that helps the
“Syria Trust for Development” achieve its goals; Goals revolving around the politicization of
humanitarian aid in favor of the Syrian regime. Time and again, the Syrian regime has sought to
smother any local, civilian and humanitarian initiatives in areas it does not control. The Syrian
regime has also pressured residents of these areas into accepting unfair truces. Hereof, Choubbak
Amal calls upon Agencies and Organizations claiming neutrality and impartiality to respect said
principles. Compromises on this neutrality pose threats on local humanitarian and developmental
initiatives that started to grow with the onset of the 2011 revolution.
Thirdly, Choubbak Amal will endeavor to secure an independent and sustainable funding for its
communal Kitchens in besieged areas. In the meanwhile, Kitchens will resume their operation
starting Tuesday 9 August 2016.

Abou George Al- Shami
Choubbak Amal Executive Director