Syria’s Assad hails UN envoy’s plan to freeze battles in Aleppo

Baghdad (IraqiNews.com)- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on Monday deemed a “freeze battles” initiative proposed by the visiting UN envoy to Syria, Staffan de Mistura, as “worth studying “, according to the official SANA news agency.

Assad’s impressions were carried by SANA following his meeting Monday with de Mistura, who flew in on Saturday to showcase his initiative to Syrian officials.

SANA said Assad was informed by the UN envoy about the main points of the “freeze battles” plan in Syria’s northwestern province of Aleppo. The president deemed the initiative as “worth studying” and could be tried in order to achieve its goal in restoring security to the city of Aleppo.

Assad also expressed his administrations’ keenness on the safety of the civilians in Aleppo and across the conflict-stricken country.

Monday’s meeting also touched upon the importance of implementing the UN resolutions regarding the anti-terror campaign and the exertion of all international efforts in the face of terrorism in Syria and the region.

De Mistura’s new plan was first presented to the UN Security Council earlier this month and would initially seek to freeze the fighting and create an environment whereby humanitarian aid could reach the beleaguered population in Aleppo. The plan also aims at facing the growing threat posed by Islamic State (IS) militants.

After meeting Assad, the special envoy headed to the central city of Homs to meet with UN staffers there, as well as armed militants in the rebel-held al-Waer district, the last rebel stronghold in Homs city.