Syria FM Hands over Aleppo Cease-fire Plan to Russia

Local Editor

Syrian foreign minister revealed on Friday that Damascus is prepared to exchange prisoners with the opposition and would take swift steps towards doing so.

"I informed (Russian Foreign Minister Sergei) Lavrov of our principled position in favor of an agreement to exchange those held in Syrian prisons for those taken by the other side," Foreign Minister Walid al-Muallem said following talks with his Russian counterpart.

He further expressed the government's "readiness to exchange lists and develop the necessary mechanism for accomplishing these goals."

Al-Muallem asked Lavrov to coordinate with his contacts in the Syrian opposition in order to ensure the execution of the new plan, adding that if it is successful it could be implemented in other areas of the war-torn country.
"I really hope all sides will keep to the terms of the agreement. If this happens, then we can implement this plan in other cities."

Moreover, the top Syrian diplomat asked Lavrov to coordinate with his contacts in the Syria opposition in order to ensure the successful execution of the new plan.
Addressing the issue of the humanitarian crisis in Syria, al-Muallem said the Syrian government is already working with the UN to deliver aid to "a number of regions."
 
However, the success of the humanitarian program depends on rebel fighters keeping to their pledge not to open fire on humanitarian convoys, he said.

The UN estimates that over 100,000 people have died since the violence broke out three years ago.

Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team