(AhlulBayt News Agency) - The UN on Wednesday dashed hopes that a proposed fighting pause in east Aleppo would allow aid to reach besieged civilians, saying that at least 48 hours would be required for humanitarian convoys to roll.
A pause in strikes on Aleppo was holding for a second day on Wednesday, ahead of the ceasefire announced by Moscow which was extended to 11 hours from an initial eight-hour truce. Russia will halt fighting in ISIS-held Aleppo from on Thursday 8am to 7pm (9am to 8pm UAE time).
Rebel groups have indicated they will not abandon their posts.
"Before we can do something really meaningful ... we need assurances from all parties," said Jens Laerke, spokesman for the United Nations humanitarian agency.
"It’s great when the guns fall silent but we need all the guns to fall silent," Mr Laerke said.
Mr Laerke stressed that the UN also needs fighting to stop for "a minimum of 48 hours", with Russia’s proposal insufficient for UN teams to mobilise.
Moscow is backing president Bashar Al-Assad’s regime in its war with rebel groups, including with air strikes in the northern city.
Aside from getting desperately needed supplies to east Aleppo’s estimated 250,000 civilians, the UN also wants to evacuate hundreds of people in urgent need of medical care.
Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said the halt should help pave the way for foreign-backed militants to leave the eastern parts of the city.
The Syrian government says groups linked to al-Qaeda or inspired by it have massive presence in Aleppo.
/257
20 October 2016 - 12:19
News ID: 786718
The UN on Wednesday dashed hopes that a proposed fighting pause in east Aleppo would allow aid to reach besieged civilians, saying that at least 48 hours would be required for humanitarian convoys to roll.
