Antonov: We Won’t Let Gunmen Use Corridors to Supply Weapons, Munitions to Terrorists in Aleppo

MOSCOW-Russia’s defense ministry commends the encouraging spirit of initiatives on the implementation of the humanitarian operation in Syria’s Aleppo voiced by United Nations Syria Envoy Staffan de Mistura, Russian Deputy Defense Minister Anatoly Antonov told TASS on Friday.

“The defense ministry hails the encouraging spirit of initiatives on the implementation of the humanitarian operation in Syria’s Aleppo voiced by United Nations Syria Envoy Staffan de Mistura. We will thoroughly analyze de Mistura’s initiatives, many of which deserve support, and will give our comments,” he said.

 The Russian deputy defense minister emphasized the major role of the United Nations in providing humanitarian assistance to Aleppo’s residents.

“We are ready for close and constructive cooperation with all international humanitarian organizations and, naturally, with the office of the United Nations special envoy for Syria,” Antonov stressed.

“Humanitarian corridors will be open both from and in Aleppo. At the same time, we will take measures not to let militants use these corridors to reach the city or to supply weapons and munitions to terrorists in that city,” he said.

According to earlier reports, Staffan de Mistura suggested Russia refer activities around the humanitarian corridors to the United Nations and its partners after such corridors are established in Aleppo and the organization and its partners have more experience in such operations.

Source: Itar Tass

H.M