"I think it is good to restate a couple of basic principles," he said. "First, when in any country there is a serious gap in terms of nutrition or basic health care, including vaccination, that is indeed a serious humanitarian issue."

"United Nations Humanitarian assistance should be needs-based and carried out in accordance with the principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence," Dujarric said. "Humanitarian action needs to be independent of political, military or any other objectives."

He then appealed for negotiations.