Home Mission in Syria Briefings of the Centre for Reconciliation of opposing sides in Syria

Briefing by Centre for Reconciliation of Opposing Sides in Syria (February 26, 2018)

Despite the Resolution approved by the UN Security Council demanding 30-day ceasefire regime in the Syrian Arab Republic, the situation in the Eastern Ghouta is being escalated.

The Jaysh al-Islam, Jabhat al-Nusra and Ahrar al-Sham under single command as well as other illegal armed formations continue violating ceasefire regime. They have taken hundreds of hostages, including women and children. Besides, insurgents carry out violent reprisals against civilians. People are denied exit from the enclave.

Despite reconciliation statements made by the Jaish al-Islam, insurgents continue mortar shelling from the controlled territory targeting the city of Damascus.

Over the last week, terrorist have fire 228 mines and pieces of ammunition at residential areas of the Syrian capital. Four people lost their lives, more than 50 were injured and including 16 children.

The Russian Centre for Reconciliation jointly with the Syrian government made a decision to carry out rescue operations to provide people exit from the the Eastern Ghouta, and evacuate patients and wounded.

Therefore a daily humanitarian pause from 09:00 to 14:00 (local time) is being introduced starting February 27 near the settlements of Douma and Arbil. The Syrian government forces will cease combat actions against terrorist during this pause.

To provide people with exit route, the SARC assisted to organize a humanitarian corridor leading to the area of Muhayam-al-Wafedin.

People will get the directions for exit routes by information leaflets spread in the area, loudspeakers and SMS- messaging.

The required number of buses and ambulance cars has been prepared at the check-post to evacuate sick and wounded.

There are hot meals and first aid posts organized by the Damascus administration near the humanitarian corridor. Extra beds are prepared in the hospitals and medical centres.

A control point has been deployed to coordinate the humanitarian operation to evacuate people from the eastern Ghouta. Officers of the Russian Centre for Reconciliation, the SAA and representatives of the Damascus administration are working at the post. The personnel involved in the humanitarian operation together with assigned vehicles have undergone special training.

The Russian Centre for Reconciliation urges all insurgents to clear up approaches of the humanitarian corridor and let the people leave the Eastern Ghouta.