Explosions in central Damascus on Tuesday killed one and injured 36 during French President Emmanuel Macron's visit, according to Syria's Interior Ministry.
Authorities told state-run SANA that security forces detected two improvised explosive devices during field operations. The bombs exploded as preparations were underway to defuse them.
A preliminary investigation found that one device had been hidden in a parked vehicle and the other in a roadside garbage container near the tourism authority building. The investigation is ongoing.
According to French media citing sources from the French presidential palace, the incident occurred near the hotel where visiting French President Emmanuel Macron was staying.
The French presidential palace stated on Tuesday that Macron had already left his hotel and was at the Syrian presidential palace preparing for talks with interim Syrian leader Ahmad al-Sharaa when the explosion occurred.
Two blasts kill one, injure 36 in Damascus during Macron visit
Two blasts kill one, injure 36 in Damascus during Macron visit
The United Nations, through its country team in Cuba, is providing all possible support to the Cuban people amid the difficulties caused by long-standing U.S. blockades against the island country, Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said on Tuesday.
Dujarric made the remarks at a press briefing when asked about the UN secretary-general's message on Tuesday, particularly on the impact of the U.S. embargo against the Cuban people. Despite years of UN General Assembly votes calling for an end to the U.S. embargo, it remains in effect.
"As you know, the secretary-general of the UN system as a whole has been following very closely the humanitarian situation in Cuba. We've [been] working with our country team, [and] we are trying to do our best to support the Cuban people in this difficult moment," Dujarric said.
The UN is also working to facilitate fuel shipments to Cuba for humanitarian use, the spokesman said.
"We've also been involved in efforts to get fuel into Cuba for humanitarian purposes. We continue to be very concerned about the situation on the ground and the impact of the ongoing energy shortage and the knock-on impact it has on healthcare, education and just basic services," Dujarric said.
Dujarric also stressed that the issue should be settled through dialog and cooperation in line with international law, noting that the General Assembly has long demanded an end to the U.S. embargo against Cuba.
UN doing its utmost to support Cuban people: spokesman
