LOC21:05
18:05 GMT
DAMASCUS, Feb 7 (KUNA) -- The UN said all parties were committed to
implementing an agreement struck with Homs Governor to evacuate civilians
trapped in the old city of governorate on Friday.
Yaaqoub Helo, UN resident representative in Syria, said 83 women, children
and elderly were evacuated from the old city today, while humanitarian aid
vehicles would enter the city tomorrow to help the people still inside.
In a press statement, Helo thanked the opposition armed groups for
facilitating the evacuation of civilians. He hoped this cooperation would
continue to facilitate the UN's task to deliver the aid supplies to alleviate
suffering of civilians.
Helo also commended the Syrian authorities for their cooperation with the
UN, hoping the bridges of confidence would remain intact.
The Russian Deputy Foreign Minister had announced the agreement to evacuate
the civilians from the old city and deliver aid. He said the humanitarian
issues in Syria could be solved through certain steps not through what he
called politicized UN resolutions.
The Governor of Homs Talal Barazi said the evacuation of civilian was
ongoing. Those evacuated, he added, were offered medical assistance before
sending them to the place they choose. (pickup previous)
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