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UN affirms Syrian gov''t, opposition cooperative in Homs evacuation

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) tk.bs KUNA 072105 Feb 14NNNN