United Nations, United States: With Russia´s backing, the UN SecurityCouncil on Saturday unanimously demanded a 30-day ceasefire in Syria toallow for humanitarian aid deliveries and medical evacuations.
The resolution demanding the ceasefire “without delay” was adopted asSyrian government forces pounded the rebel-held enclave of Eastern Ghouta,where hundreds have died during a week-long assault.
“We are late to respond to this crisis, very late,” US Ambassador NikkiHaley told the council after the vote, accusing Russia of stalling the vote.
More than 500 people, including more than 120 children, have been killed inseven days of relentless airstrikes in Eastern Ghouta, which UNSecretary-General Antonio Guterres described as “hell on earth.”
The resolution demands a cessation of hostilities “without delay”throughout Syria to allow the “safe, unimpeded and sustained” deliveries ofaid and evacuations of the sick and wounded.
To win Russia´s approval, language specifying that the ceasefire wouldstart 72 hours after the adoption of the draft was scrapped, replaced by”without delay,” and the term “immediate” was also dropped in reference tothe aid deliveries and evacuations.
Diplomats said they were confident that this would not open the door topostponing the ceasefire, as council members had made clear in negotiationsthat the truce must quickly come into force.
Guterres is to report to the council in 15 days on the ceasefire, diplomatssaid.
In another concession to Russia, the resolution said the ceasefire will notapply to operations against Daesh or Al-Qaeda, along with “individuals,groups, undertakings and entities” associated with the terror groups.
That would allow the Syrian government offensive to continue againstAl-Qaeda-linked militants in Idlib, the last province in Syria outside thecontrol of Damascus.
The text demands the lifting of all sieges including in Eastern Ghouta,Yarmouk, Foua and Kefraya and order all sides to “cease depriving civiliansof food and medicine indispensable to their survival.” – APP/AFP