Besieged Syrian rebels seek way out of Aleppo
The Washington Post
BEIRUT — Syrian government fo r c e s swept through the Old City of Aleppo on Wednesday as rebel forces — besieged and facing certain defeat — debated when to withdraw from their shattered stronghold.
The government’s push into the historic heart of Syria’s largest city marks a defining moment in more than five years of war. The army and allied militiamen now control three-quarters of east Aleppo, the rebels’ most important enclave.
The accelerating rebel collapse came as Secretary of State John Kerry and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov met in Germany for a last-ditch effort to agree on conditions that would allow the city to be evacuated. Mr. Kerry said the two would meet again Thursday morning.
More than 730 people have been killed in Aleppo since the government offensive began on Nov. 15, according to the Syrian Obs e r v a t o r y f o r Human Rights, a monitoring group. On Wednesday, the militants called for a fiveday cease-fire to allow civilians, including an estimated 500 people in need of medical evacuation, to leave for the countryside north of the city.
In comments published Wednesday, President Bashar Assad said victory in Aleppo would be a “huge step” toward the end of Syria’s war.
Repeated government warnings in recent weeks — sent via text message or printed on airdropped leaflets — have urged residents to leave, warning that those who stay will be “annihilated.”
President Barack Obama and the leaders of Germany, France, Britain, Canada and Italy on Wednesday signed a public statement saying they “condemn the actions of the Syrian regime and its backers, especially Russia,” for the Aleppo attacks and their refusal to allow humanitarian aid into the city and other besieged Syrian areas.
The Western leaders called on Syria and Russia to agree to a plan proposed by the United Nations for a cease-fire, humanitarian aid and talks on a transition government between the opposition and Mr. Assad. France will host a meeting in Paris on Saturday for opposition supporters from Europe and the Middle East; Mr. Kerry will attend.