Image by Bernard Gagnon
The Russian Defense Ministry announced that agreements between the Syrian opposition forces and the Russian military for the establishment of the first de-escalation zone have been signed.
“After the talks in Cairo (The [Arab] Republic of Egypt) between representatives of the Russian Defense Ministry and the Syrian opposition with the mediation of the Egyptian side, in development of the Astana accords, the parties signed agreements on functioning of the East Ghouta (Damascus, Syria) de-escalation zone…The documents fix borders of the de-escalation zone, locations and authorities of the forces observing the de-escalation, as well as routes for delivery of humanitarian aid and for free movement of the civilians,” reported Russian state news agency TASS.
“The first humanitarian convoy to the de-escalation zone and evacuation of the injured are due within days,” the Defense Ministry added.