The UN Security Council has unanimously approved a resolution demanding a 30-day ceasefire across Syria “without delay” to deliver humanitarian aid to millions and evacuate the critically ill and wounded. Sponsors Kuwait and Sweden amended the resolution late on Friday in a last-minute attempt to get Russian support, dropping a demand that the ceasefire take effect in 72 hours. Russia’s UN ambassador Vassily Nebenzia had said repeatedly that an immediate ceasefire was unrealistic. Sweden’s UN ambassador Olof Skoog said before the vote that the resolution could de-escalate violence and save lives. It calls for all parties to immediately lift the sieges of populated areas including eastern Ghouta, Yarmouk, Foua and Kefraya.

Source: The Irish Times February 24, 2018 20:15 UTC