Aleppo escape corridors cautiously welcomed

The UN Special Envoy for Syria welcomed Friday a Russian and Syrian initiative to assist the population of Syria's northern city of Aleppo, while warning that if such operations take place, they must be carried out in full respect of international humanitarian law.

"As the UN and as humanitarians, we do welcome any initiative aimed at assisting civilian populations in conflict zones," said the special envoy Staffan de Mistura.

"We are in principle, and in practice in favour of humanitarian corridors under the right circumstances that allow the protection of civilians," he added.

Three humanitarian corridors for civilians have been sketched out by Moscow and Damascus to allow those wishing to leave Syria's second largest city to do so.

A fourth corridor is planned to be opened in the north of Aleppo for the safe passage of armed militants who want to lay down their arms, according to Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu.

Though the plan is seen as good news given the dire situation permeating the lives of those living in eastern parts of the city, De Mistura urged warring factions to implement a 48-hour ceasefire regardless of whether the scheme moves forward.

If humanitarian corridors were to be set up, however, a break in fighting is essential to guarantee the safety of those fleeing the war-ravaged city, he explained.

"Our suggestion is to Russia to actually leave the corridors being established at their initiative to us. The UN and the humanitarian partners know what to do," the diplomat added.

He also reminded that no one should be forced to leave Aleppo, while those who do wish to leave should be given the option to reach areas of their own choice.

"There needs to be guarantees on the protection of civilians, whether they choose to remain in eastern Aleppo or move to other areas of their choice as offered through the corridors," he concluded.
Source:XINHUA