A Saudi official involved in relief works has clarified that the Kingdom does not provide relief in cash and that outside pressure is being exerted on some distressed countries and parties to force and put donors in an embarrassing situation by asking them to commit to long-term donations.

“This action is unacceptable. It is even criminal sometimes, even if it (money) is demanded for transport or renting a shelter,” Suleiman Al-Houairni, assistant general director for ambulance and medical services at the Saudi Red Crescent Authority, was quoted as saying by local media.

He admitted that security issues are matter of concern for the Saudi relief missions, especially to some disturbed areas and troubled countries.

“The demands and requirements of victims of natural disasters and civil wars are the result of pressures on them from outside forces seeking to embarrass the donors to commit them with long- term assistance and donations,” said Al-Houairni, who accompanied relief missions to Syria, Kirgizstan and Nepal.

The donor in most cases commits to long-term help such as operating schools and hospitals, or re-construction of houses, or allocating religion-based donations, he said.

If the relief team is positioned near a border region with military tensions, the security issues become a concern for the leader of the team, and those assigned for the team’s safety, Al-Houairni added.

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