Lavrov:

Russia Presents All Evidence on Aid Convoy Attack, Urges Impartial Investigation

Rasa - Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said at a UN Security Council meeting that Moscow has provided all the data it has on the attack on a humanitarian convoy in Aleppo, and called for a full and impartial investigation into the incident.

News ID: 423783

Date: 21 September 2016 - 19:58

RNA - "There was another unacceptable provocation on September 19, the shelling of a humanitarian convoy near Aleppo, and I am confident that such coincidences require serious analysis and investigation,” Lavrov said, RT reported.

On September 19, a humanitarian convoy consisting of 31 trucks was attacked while heading to Aleppo. According to the Red Cross, 20 civilians and one aid worker died as a result. Initial reports by the organization claimed the convoy had been targeted by an airstrike.

On Tuesday, the UN backtracked on its earlier claims that the convoy was hit by military planes.

"We are not in a position to determine whether these were in fact airstrikes. We are in a position to say that the convoy was attacked," UN humanitarian spokesman Jens Laerke said.

Speaking on the delivery of humanitarian aid to Syria, Lavrov said that the Russia and US-backed plan included the creation of a demilitarized zone around the Castillo Road near Aleppo. The minister added that while the Syrian government forces have started their withdrawal, the militants have not followed suit.

"The government forces began their withdrawal, in accordance with the Russia-American agreements, only to see that the opposition does not follow suit, and even begins to fire."

Russia has informed the US of some 300 ceasefire violations by the militant groups in Syria, including those of Ahrar al-Sham.

"We notified our American colleagues about 300 cases of violation of the cessation of hostilities on the part of Ahrar al-Sham and a number of other opposition groups whose names have been mentioned in the list of those groups who joined the ceasefire,” Lavrov said.

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