Putin thanks UN and IOC for promoting truce in Homs, Syria

Russian President Vladimir Putin welcomes the truce that was announced in the Syrian city of Homs. “I am very pleased that it was today that the decision about armistice was made, that it was decided to stop the military actions for three days and to open humanitarian corridors to take out the wounded, according to Voice of Russia.

This will give the civilians, children and women a chance to leave the combat zone,” Putin said speaking at the reception in his name in honor of high-ranking guests of the Olympic games.

“For this I want to thank the Olympic Committee, the United Nations, which, of course, have contributed to this decision with their appeals to the warring parties. Hopefully it will be a good tradition, but I am sure that in this case it will help to solve all the problems of a humanitarian nature,” Putin stated.

Three-day ceasefire in Homs to set example for resolving other humanitarian problems in Syria – Russian FM

The Russian Foreign Ministry hopes that an agreement between the Syrian government and “opposition” on a “humanitarian pause” in the besieged city of Homs will “contribute to the creation of a favorable environment for the upcoming second round of talks between the Syrian sides, which is due to start in Geneva on February 10, and set a good example for resolving other urgent humanitarian problems,” the Russian Foreign Ministry has said earlier today.

“Moscow welcomed the news from Syria about an agreed upon humanitarian pause in Homs. An agreement on ceasefire for three days and providing the old Homs’ civilians with humanitarian aid became the outcome of days-long and difficult negotiations between the governor of Homs and the UN’s regional humanitarian coordinator to Syria, Yacoub El Hillo. The Russian embassy in Damascus seriously contributed to the successful outcome of the talks,” the Ministry noted.

“It’s envisioned that all the children, women, men over 55, and the injured will be able to leave freely the combat area. A Syrian Foreign Ministry spokesperson said they will live in temporary accommodation camps and be provided with food and medical care. Those who will prefer to stay in Homs will also be provided with necessary humanitarian aid,” the Ministry added.

“We emphatically urge those who have influence on separate ‘opposition” groups not to politicize humanitarian problems in Syria and make actual efforts in order to alleviate problems and suffering of the Syrian people. Russia intends to consistently follow this line in its relations with all the parties of the Syrian conflict and international partners,” the Russian Ministry concluded.

M.D