UN convoys waiting for green light to reach Aleppo: Diplomat

UN special adviser on Syria Jan Egeland on Thursday said humanitarian trucks and teams are ready to deliver life-saving supplies to the 275,000 civilians trapped in Aleppo as soon as all necessary approvals are provided.

"We first presented our humanitarian plan on November 3 and we now have a written approval in principle by the armed opposition groups of east Aleppo, as well as verbal support from Russia on our four-point plan," Xinhua news agency quoted Egeland as saying.

"We are still waiting for an answer from the government of Syria," the diplomat added.

Contingent on all parties to the conflict giving the green light, the UN hopes in the coming days to provide vital medical supplies, conduct medical evacuations, deliver food and other critical items while sending more medical personnel to east Aleppo.

If all warring parties give the go-ahead, Egeland explained that relief teams would need 72 hours to prepare operations and a few days and nights to carry out their objectives.

As a result of the conflict which broke out in March 2011, nearly 400,000 people have died during the five-year war while millions have been displaced by fighting and the reigning insecurity.

--IANS

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