EASTERN GHOUTA (Syria). March 15 (Interfax) - The 17th humanitarian pause began in Eastern Ghouta at 9 a.m. local time on Thursday; at least 100 people may exit the area during the day, and the arrival of a humanitarian truck convoy is pending, Maj. Gen. Vladimir Zolotukhin of the Russian center for reconciliation of opposing sides in Syria told the press.
"Specialists of the center for reconciliation of opposing sides have held negotiations with the leaders of illegal armed units operating in Eastern Ghouta and agreed on the delivery of humanitarian aid to the civilian population of militant-held populated localities. A truck convoy of international humanitarian organizations will deliver 137 tonnes of food to Eastern Ghouta," Zolotukhin said.
Another group of civilians is expected to leave the area on Thursday, he said.
"The center for reconciliation of opposing sides holds daily negotiations with the leaders of illegal armed units operating in Eastern Ghouta on the evacuation of civilians. At least 100 people are expected to be evacuated on Thursday," Zolotukhin said.
According to the Russian Defense Ministry, about 500 people have exited Eastern Ghouta via the humanitarian passage by now.