GENEVA (AP) — The International Red Cross says it is holding a meeting with Syrian opposition figures in Geneva on Wednesday.
Red Cross spokesman Hisham Hassan says the meeting with members of the Syrian National Council is part of the aid group’s efforts to “be in touch with all those who might have an impact in Syria.”
The Geneva-based ICRC called Tuesday for a daily two-hour halt to fighting in Syria so it can bring emergency aid to affected areas and evacuate the wounded and sick.
The group says negotiations with Syrian authorities and opposition groups are at a very early stage.
Head of operations for the Middle East Beatrice Megevand-Roggo told The Associated Press on Tuesday that the ICRC had almost no contacts with opposition figures inside Syria.
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.
MOSCOW (AP) — Russia’s Foreign Ministry has voiced support for a humanitarian cease-fire in Syria.
The ministry’s spokesman, Alexander Lukashevich, said Wednesday that Russia is supporting the International Committee of the Red Cross’s call for a daily two-hour cease-fire to provide aid to the population of Syria.
Lukashevich says Russia is using its contacts with both the Syrian government and the opposition to help settle humanitarian issues. He also reaffirms Moscow’s proposal to send a special United Nations envoy to Syria to help coordinate the delivery of humanitarian aid.
Russia and China have vetoed two Security Council resolutions backing Arab League plans aimed at ending the conflict and condemning President Bashar Assad’s crackdown on protests.
