UN says Russia agrees to weekly 48-hour cease-fire in Syria's Aleppo
Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
Publication Date | 26 August 2016 |
Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, UN says Russia agrees to weekly 48-hour cease-fire in Syria's Aleppo, 26 August 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57db9a4f1a.html [accessed 2 June 2023] |
Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
August 26, 2016
The United Nations said Russia has agreed to a 48-hour humanitarian cease-fire in the divided Syrian city of Aleppo to allow aid deliveries, but security guarantees are needed from other parties in the conflict.
The UN has pushed for a weekly 48-hour pause in fighting in Aleppo to alleviate suffering for about 2 million people. But with Russia and other major powers back opposing sides in Syria's five-year civil war, carrying that out has proved difficult.
"We have...agreement now from the Russian Federation for the 48-hour pause. We're waiting [for] it from the other actors on the ground. That has taken more time frankly than I thought was needed," Jan Egeland, who chairs the UN humanitarian task force, told reporters on August 25.
UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura, echoed his comments.
Russia is the main backer of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Rebel groups opposing Assad are supported by Western and Gulf powers.
The U.S. State Department said while Washington backs the 48-hour Aleppo cease-fire, it is focused on achieving a broader country-wide cessation of hostilities.
Based on reporting by AP and Reuters
Link to original story on RFE/RL website