MOSCOW. Aug 22 (Interfax) - The International Committee of the Red Cross insists on receiving further confirmation of security guarantees for its personnel who will accompany Russia's humanitarian aid convoy bound for southeastern Ukraine before the convoy is able to begin moving again, spokesperson for the ICRC's delegation for Russia, Belarus and Moldova, Viktoria Zotikova, told Interfax.
"Some of the trucks were checked and sealed yesterday, but they are not heading anywhere because we are awaiting security guarantees," she said.
When commenting on the ICRC's August 21 statement that all terms for delivering this aid have been observed, Zotikova said that security guarantees should be confirmed all the time.
"If we were given security guarantees the day before yesterday, it does not mean that they are valid today and that we are satisfied. So far, we have no full confirmation that would allow us to start moving," she said.
The absence of security guarantees for ICRC personnel is a key obstacle to continuing the delivery of these humanitarian supplies, Zotikova said.
"The trucks that were inspected and sealed are ready to move. So is our team. But this [confirmation of security guarantees] is a key issue that has not been resolved yet," she said.
When asked whether Moscow should take any steps to speed up the delivery of its humanitarian cargo, Zotikova said that "a totally different problem, which is unrelated to Russia, is now on our agenda."
"As for the situation with security, it is a matter for the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the armed groups active on the territory that the convoy should transit en route to Luhansk," she said.
ICRC officials said on Thursday that all terms set by the organization for its involvement in the delivery of the Russian humanitarian aid were observed, and the convoy should set off for Luhansk on Friday.