'Population wants to get out of East Ghouta'

moscow/damascus - Citizens in the region of East Ghouta besieged for years, not far from the Syrian capital Damascus, have 'massively announced that they want to get away from it', but the fighters in the enclave prevent that. This said the Russian general Vladimir Zolotoechin against the media. He speaks on behalf of a Russian authority that inter alia mediates between warring parties in Syria.

The Allies Moscow and Damascus have declared 'a temporary battle break' this week. It must ensure that there are no combat operations every day from 9 am to 2 pm. It is an hour later in Damascus. The Kremlin stated that citizens should be evacuated along certain 'humanitarian corridors'. Aid could also be provided along these routes.

It is Thursday the third day of these fighting pauses, but according to Zolotoechin the corridors are still under fire by the fighters, mainly jihadists.