HOMS, Syria — Dozens of people trapped (click here) in the historic center of Homs were evacuated Friday as
part of a complex deal involving the Syrian government, the United Nations and armed rebels occupying the Old City district.
A total of 83 residents,
mostly men but including some women and children, were able to leave in
what officials called a successful first day of a plan to provide relief
to the long-besieged area. A fragile cease-fire held up during the
operation, despite an early violation.
“We had some bumps, but this was a good beginning,” said Yacoub Hillo, the U.N. humanitarian coordinator in Syria, who was at the scene helping to coordinate the relief effort. “In coming days we hope to do more to relieve the suffering of the people of Homs and of Syria.”
The plight of the residents of the Old City gained global attention during the Syrian peace talks last month in Geneva. But negotiators in Geneva were unable to work out a deal to evacuate civilians from the district and provide food and other aid to those stranded inside....
“We had some bumps, but this was a good beginning,” said Yacoub Hillo, the U.N. humanitarian coordinator in Syria, who was at the scene helping to coordinate the relief effort. “In coming days we hope to do more to relieve the suffering of the people of Homs and of Syria.”
The plight of the residents of the Old City gained global attention during the Syrian peace talks last month in Geneva. But negotiators in Geneva were unable to work out a deal to evacuate civilians from the district and provide food and other aid to those stranded inside....
