WAM BRUSSELS: The European Commission on Friday adopted a special measure for Syria amounting to a total of EU23 million under the to enable a rapid, simple response to the most pressing needs of the Syrian population and Syrian refugees.

In addition to the humanitarian assistance already provided by the Commission, this special measure will help to respond to the crisis situation in Syria itself and in areas affected by the influx of refugees in neighboring Lebanon and Jordan.

A press release said actions carried out as part of the special measure would be wide in scope and may include the delivery of basic and specialised education and health services, support to livelihoods, capacity building (such as training of NGOs and activists), support to the media, cultural activities and civil society.

High Representative for Foreign Affairs Catherine Ashton, said: "While the international community must continue to support Kofi Annan's plan and use all its influence to stop the violence and begin a transition, the European Union remains strongly committed to supporting the Syrian people in this time of suffering. We need to deliver all the support we can." WAM/MMYS