Aleppo humanitarian catastrophe 'unlike any' in Syria, UN saysSeptember 30, 2016 - 13:27 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The United Nations aid chief warned Thursday, September 29 that Aleppo faces a humanitarian catastrophe "unlike any" witnessed so far in Syria's brutal five-year war, AFP reports. "Let me be clear: east Aleppo this minute is not at the edge of the precipice," Stephen O'Brien told the Security Council. "It is well into its terrible descent into the pitiless and merciless abyss of a humanitarian catastrophe unlike any we have witnessed in Syria," said the UN undersecretary-general for humanitarian affairs. The council was meeting to discuss the crisis in Syria as France said it would push for a UN resolution imposing a ceasefire in Aleppo, which has been under fierce bombardment by Syrian and Russian warplanes for a week. U.S. Ambassador Samantha Power described the escalation as "the most savage week we've seen in an incredibly savage five-plus-year war," with more than 1,000 people killed by 1,700 air strikes on east Aleppo alone. Power described the latest offensive as "soul-shattering" and accused Russia and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad of "unleashing a savagery" against civilians. "We're at a turning point," she said. O'Brien appealed for action from the council after diplomatic efforts on the sidelines of last week's General Assembly meeting ended in failure, triggering a new upsurge in violence on the ground. "This revolting situation in Aleppo must, please, be the SOS, the May Day call, to the international community," he said. "Syria is bleeding. Its citizens are dying. We all hear their cry for help." More than 100,000 children remain trapped in rebel-held east Aleppo, which has come under intense bombing since the Syrian army announced on September 22 an offensive to retake the city. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. Armenia, Russia discuss life extension of Metsamor nuclear plant Issues regarding the extension of life of the 2nd power unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant were discussed in Yerevan. Armenians stage more campaigns against territorial concessions to Azerbaijan Protesters blocked more roads across Armenia on Friday, April 26 in continuing attempts to scuttle territorial concessions to Azerbaijan. |