SYRIA: A large number of civilians remain trapped in Homs by on-going fighting causing a humanitarian crisis in the city, a UNSMIS spokeswoman says

Record ID: 280990

  • Title: SYRIA: A large number of civilians remain trapped in Homs by on-going fighting causing a humanitarian crisis in the city, a UNSMIS spokeswoman says
  • Date: 19th June 2012
  • Summary: DAMASCUS, SYRIA (JUNE 18, 2012) (REUTERS) UNSMIS SPOKESWOMAN, SUSAN GHOSHEH, HEADING TO THE INTERVIEW VARIOUS OF GHOSHEH WITH REPORTER (SOUNDBITE) (English) SUSAN GHOSHEH, UNSMIS SPOKESWOMAN, SAYING: "When civilians are stuck and trapped in the line of fire, this is a humanitarian crisis. We need to ensure that these civilians are protected. We need to be sure that the
  • Embargoed: 4th July 2012 13:00
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  • Location: Switzerland
  • Country: Switzerland
  • Topics: International Relations
  • Reuters ID: LVA7CXGK9U0QG3HQURMQQ1IUK49
  • Story Text: A large number of civilians are trapped in Homs by on-going fighting causing a humanitarian crisis in the city, an UNSMIS spokeswoman said on Monday (June 18).
    "When civilians are stuck and trapped in the line of fire, this is a humanitarian crisis. We need to ensure that these civilians are protected. We need to be sure that there is respect and protection for the human life of the Syrian people. There needs to be willingness on behalf of the parties to ease the pain of the Syrian people and to release these civilians trapped in the line of fire," Susan Ghosheh, UNSMIS Spokeswoman, said in Damascus.
    The observer mission was in Homs on Sunday (June 17) where they knew that many people are trapped in neighbourhoods such as al-Khaldiyeh and Hamidieh. Most of them took refuge from the shelling in a mosque, a church and a school in the city.
    Ghosheh said there is a lack of willingness by both parties to resolve the situation, and she called on the Syrian government and the armed opposition to institute a ceasefire.
    "Now they know exactly what needs to be done. What is required is a decision. Once they take the decision and they're ready to release these civilians, we will be ready to monitor the release of these civilians but it's a matter of decision they have to take," she said.
    She added that the UN is exchanging messages between both parties in order to help evacuate the civilians from the city.
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