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1.11pm GMTThe UN decision to suspend Syrian peace talks in Geneva has left a huge question mark hanging over the future of the already deeply fragile process,writes the Guardian Middle East editor Ian Black. Staffan de Mistura, the UN envoy – in London for the Syria donor conference - made clear that he intends to resume by 25 February, and whether not earlier. But the opposition negotiators have made it equally plain that they will not near back to the Palais des Nations with some positive change on the ground in Syria.
With Russian air strikes in support of Bashar al-Assad escalating,it is not clear what that might be. Air drops of food to besieged areas are one option being considered– but these still face huge political and logistical difficulties. The UN says clearly that its preference is for road deliveries.
1.04pm GMTThe International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC) have managed to deliver food and medicine to more than 12000 besieged civilians in the town of Moadamiyeh near Damascus.
Marianne Gasser, who led the team which entered Moadamiyeh on Wednesday said: “People in besieged areas count every day of their life as a bonus. They have so little to outlive on. They want us to bring relief regularly and that’s what we are continuously asking for. Continue reading...
Source: theguardian.com