The United States has rejected a presidential statement draft that was suggested by Russia to the Security Council members regarding Syria.
The statement would aim to ensure an international cover in order to permit the exit of around 400,000 people besieged in Eastern Ghouta. However, a Western diplomat considered this a Russian attempt to purge the region.
Asharq Al-Awsat received a document that includes US suggestions to insert amendments on the Russia presidential statement draft. A western diplomat pointed out that due to the huge disputes between the two sides, it is unlikely to reach a settlement.
The diplomat cited the way Russia dealt with the Security Council resolution 2401, which was issued end of the week and remained inactive because the Russians have their own plans in Eastern Ghouta.
In Geneva, two officials in the US said that Russia’s plan to impose a five-hour truce daily in Eastern Ghouta needs to be extended to allow more access of aid and exit of civilians.
“You are failing to help us help civilians in Syria,” UN humanitarian adviser Jan Egeland said.
“Eastern Ghouta is devoid of respect for international law," he added.
Egeland said that some 400,000 people trapped in government-besieged eastern Ghouta need life-saving aid.
UN Syria envoy Staffan de Mistura told reporters the world body would not give up seeking a full 30-day ceasefire.
“We are determined because otherwise this becomes the copycat of Aleppo,” de Mistura said, referring to a battle in eastern Aleppo in late 2016.
