Russia's Foreign Minister tells reporters it is hoped a unilateral truce declared by the Syrian military could be extended to Aleppo within a matter of hours.
ADVERTISEMENTUN envoy Staffan de Mistura is in Moscow for crisis talks on Syria.
The UN is holding intense negotiations with Russia and the US to establish a truce in conflict-torn Aleppo.
Watch live at 14:00 (MSK) press-conference of Sergey Lavrov and Staffan de Mistura https://t.co/3GARRjEAO6pic.twitter.com/yY7vxmfNNk
— MFA Russia (@mfa_russia) May 3, 2016
But isn’t there already a ceasefire?
Yes.
A nationwide ceasefire was brokered by the US and Russia in February.
The aim is to salvage as much as possible.
Additionally, a unilateral truce has been in effect since the weekend in the coastal region around Latakia and the eastern area of Ghouta around the capital, Damascus.
So when will there be a truce in Aleppo?
As soon as possible, diplomats say.
#Lavrov held talks with Staffan de Mistura | #Лавров провел переговоры с С.де Мистуройhttps://t.co/bHDazJudxI
— MFA Russia (@mfa_russia) May 3, 2016
After the meeting in Moscow, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told reporters it is hoped a unilateral truce declared by the Syrian military could be extended to Aleppo within a matter of hours.
How bad are things in Aleppo?
Grim, observers say. Syria’s second city is “on the brink of a humanitarian disaster”, according to the ICRC.
It is estimated at least 250 people have been killed in the last ten days alone.
Hospitals have also been caught up in the bombardments. Patients and medical staff are said to be among the casualties.
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) warned last week that Aleppo, Syria’s second city, was being pushed further to the brink of disaster.