WASHINGTON
The U.S. State Department welcomed reports that the Syrian government and opposition have agreed to allow humanitarian access to the besieged Old City of Homs.
"We welcome the news that a deal has been reached between the opposition forces inside Homs and the regime which would allow humanitarian access into old city Homs and allow evacuations of those civilians who want to do so," said State Department spokesperson Jen Psaki while speaking to the press on Thursday.
Under the agreement, civilians will reportedly be allowed to leave the city, and humanitarian aid will be delivered to those who choose to stay. The Old City in Homs has been under siege for over a year.
Psaki said that no praise should be given to Damascus for agreeing to lift its siege of Homs.
"We should not be giving credit to a regime just for providing food for a few days to people who are starving, given that's the right moral thing to do. This is something they should have been doing all along," she said.
It is currently unclear how long the accord will stay in effect, though it is expected to begin on Friday.
UN welcomes Homs agreement
United Nations has also welcomed on Thursday Homs agreement which the Syrian government and opposition have agreed to allow humanitarian access to the besieged Old City of Homs.
Farhan Haq, the spokesperson of the UN secretary-generali told reporters that UN welcomed the news that the agreement has been reached.
"We need to see unhindered, continuous and safe access for humanitarian workers to the millions of people trapped," Haq said, quoting Valerie Amos, the UN undersecretary-general for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief.
Under the agreement, civilians will reportedly be allowed to leave the city, and humanitarian aid will be delivered to those who choose to stay.
The Old City in Homs has been under siege for over a year.
englishnews@aa.com.tr
