DAMASCUS. July 5 (Interfax) - From 500 to 800 refugees and internally displaced persons return home in Syria each week, the head of the Russian Center for Reconciliation of Opposing Sides in Syria, Maj. Gen. Alexei Bakin, told the press on Friday.
"Refugees are returning on a regular basis, in particular from the Rukban camp. We see 500 to 800 persons per week, including refugees coming from abroad. Their number is growing. People realize that everything has been done for their safe return and living, utilities are good, and medical assistance is available," Bakin said.
The reconciliation center will keep working on refugees' return from the Rukban camp, he said.
Ability of these people to leave the camp safely is important, he said.
"About 26,000 people are staying there at the moment. We know that all of them wish to leave and live peacefully. It is a task of the center and the Syrian government to ensure a safe and timely departure of women, children, and elderly people above all," Bakin said.
Meanwhile, Bakin's deputy Vadim Pereslavtsev told the press that the center had delivered over 4 tonnes of food care packages to Anhul in the Syrian Daraa province.
"The decision was based on an analysis of the situation in the country, the southern provinces that were affected by the hostilities most. In particular, we chose Anhul as the location considering the large number of refugees staying there. More than 4 tonnes of food and essentials packages are being distributed there now," Pereslavtsev said.