"The Americans always insist on the fact that there are moderate groups that should participate in a political process and even in the struggle against terrorism. We agreed with it, but this should be expressed not only in words, but also through actions — through adoption of the effective measures aimed at separation of terrorists from 'the moderate ones.' We have not seen fulfilled promises yet. The recent ceasefire is a chance to implement such measures," Alexander Zasypkin told RIA Novosti.
As part of the so-called Arab Spring, protests in Syria that took place in 2011 resulted in clashes between the government forces and opposition. Since then the Middle Eastern country has been mired in a war, which involves Damascus, numerous opposition fractions, as well as terrorist groups.
The Russian "humanitarian pause" was introduced in the embattled city of Aleppo at 8 a.m. local time (05:00 GMT) on Thursday to ensure the safe evacuation of unarmed militants, and civilians from eastern Aleppo via eight designated corridors.
