Russia announces new humanitarian pause in Syria's Aleppo fighting

Russia on Wednesday announced a new "humanitarian pause" in fighting in Syria's city of Aleppo, to avoid casualties and to facilitate the evacuation of civilians and armed groups in the city.

According to Chief of the Russian General Staff Valery Gerasimov, the ceasefire measure, ordered by President Vladimir Putin, will take place between 09.00 a.m. and 7.00 p.m. (local time) on Friday, Efe news reported.

Gen Gerasimov added that the Russian Centre for Reconciliation and the Syrian government troops would ensure the safety of the evacuation.

The Russian General said civilians could leave the city through six routes, while members of armed groups might do so through two routes -- the Syrian-Turkish border and the Syrian city of Idlib.

Gerasimov emphasised that due to what he labelled the "inability" of the US to separate the opposition from terrorists, his country directly calls on all leaders of armed groups to cease combat actions and to leave Aleppo with weapons.

--IANS

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