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Briefing by Centre for Reconciliation of Opposing Sides in Syria (February 28, 2018)

In accordance with the UN Security Council Resolution 2401, the 30-day ceasefire regime was established in the territory of Syria.

At the same time, the Russian Centre for Reconciliation has been monitoring ceasefire observation and registered continuing combat actions by armed groups in the provinces of Aleppo, Latakia and Daraa.

The escalation in the Eastern Ghouta is of particular concern.

Since February 27, by order of the President of Russia, a humanitarian operation has been organized to ensure the safe exit of civilians, as well as the evacuation of the sick and wounded. Therefore, there is a daily a humanitarian pause established from 9.00 a.m. to 2.00 p.m. local time.

In the area of the settlement Muhayam al-Waffedin, the humanitarian corridor continues functioning. The reception centre and medical centre in the locality of Edduer are on standby. Moreover, there is a required transport and ambulance crews. Information is being provided for civilians through all available channels.

However, today, on the second day of the humanitarian pause, civilians failed to leave the Eastern Ghouta.

Once again, the terrorists actively prevented civilians from the leaving the area, first of all, the group Jaysh al-Islam, which controls the area nearby to the control point in Muhayam Al-Waffedin.

At the same time, 13 mines have been fired over the last 24 hours from the areas of Eastern Ghouta controlled by terrorists targeting residential areas in Damascus. As a result of shelling, there are destructions and civilian casualties. Nine citizens, including three children, were injured.

According to the Syrian Arab Red Crescent, since the opening of the humanitarian corridor, the number of reports from citizens of Eastern Ghouta has increased significantly.

People complain about the lack of food and medical supplies. According to those who applied for help to the Syrian Arab Crescent, the terrorists did not let them out of the danger zone, seized personal vehicles, and prohibited the use of radio, television and cellular communication. For any attempts to get out of the Eastern Ghouta, they threaten to kill people.

Information has been confirmed that today, on the northeastern outskirts of the

Douma, the terrorists of Jaysh Al-Islam dispersed about 300 civilians who were trying to reach to the humanitarian corridor. The terrorist fired at the people. No reports have been received about casualties. The data is being processed.

In addition, there is information that the Jaysh al-Islam has forced prisoners from the At-Tawba jail in Douma together with the civilians to equip their positions in the area near the humanitarian corridor MUKAYAM AL-WAFFEDIN,

All these actions prove that terrorists reject to comply with the Resolution 2401, and intend to continue fighting.

The Russian Centre for Reconciliation urges all leaders of armed formations in the Eastern Ghouta observe the ceasefire regime and enable people to leave for safe regions, and ensure safe evacuation of the sick and injured through the humanitarian corridor.