Syrian Oscar nominee can't get to ceremony because of passport problem

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The White Helmets operate a rescue service in rebel-heldparts of Syria, which have been subjected to fierce bombardmentby the government and Russia's air force during the country'scivil war that has levelled whole city districts.

Their film, nominated in the Oscars short subjectdocumentary category, gives a glimpse into the daily lives ofthe volunteers.

Syria's government under President Bashar al-Assad hasaccused the group of being a front for al Qaeda and of fakingfootage of the aftermath of air strikes for propaganda purposes,charges the White Helmets deny.

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Two of the rescue workers, their leader Raed Saleh andKhaled Khatib, who is also a cameraman, were given visas by theUnited States to visit the country for the Oscars' ceremony inLos Angeles on Sunday night.

However, in a statement early on Sunday, the White Helmetssaid that Saleh would not be able to leave his work because ofthe high intensity of airstrikes.

Meanwhile, Khatib(listed as a cinematographer on the film) could not attendbecause Syria's government had cancelled his passport.

"The Syrian Civil Defence are grateful for the platform thefilm The White Helmetsis providing for their humanitarianmessage to reach around the world," the statement said.