Russian Foreign Minister Sergei lavrov said on Wednesday that rebels in Syria’s Eastern Ghouta were responsible for ensuring that a “humanitarian pause” in the area delivers relief for devastated civilians.
“Russia together with the Syrian Government have already announced the establishment of humanitarian corridors in Eastern Ghouta,” lavrov told the UN Human Rights Council.
“Now, it is the turn for the militants and their sponsors to act, militants entrenched there who still continue shelling Damascus, blocking aid deliveries and the evacuation of those wishing to leave,” he added.
Tuesday was the first day of the five-hour daily “pause” that was ordered by President Vladimir Putin, the Syrian regime’s main ally.