UN council to vote on Russian-drafted measure on Aleppo truce

The UN Security Council on Saturday will vote on a Russian-drafted resolution calling for a ceasefire in Aleppo that makes no mention of ending military flights over the Syrian city.

The 15-member council will decide on that measure immediately after they vote on a French-drafted resolution that calls for an end to the aerial bombardment of Aleppo, diplomats said.

The Russian text obtained by AFP on Friday “urges immediate implementation of the cessation of hostilities, in particular in Aleppo” and demands that all parties allow deliveries of humanitarian aid.

The measure was presented to the council after Moscow signaled that it was ready to use its veto to block the French-drafted text.

That measure provides for an end to the bombing campaign and halting all military flights over Aleppo.

At least 250,000 people are living under siege in rebel-held east Aleppo, and facing almost-daily heavy bombing since the Russian-backed Syrian army launched an offensive to retake the city last month.

The Security Council on Friday met in emergency session at Russia’s request to hear UN envoy Staffan de Mistura outline proposals to allow jihadist fighters to leave Aleppo.

The Russian-drafted text welcomes the envoy’s initiative and calls on UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to present a detailed plan that could be endorsed by the Security Council.