Statement by Foreign Minister Steinmeier on eastern Aleppo: blockades of the evacuation must end immediately

The appalling situation of the people in eastern Aleppo is desperate. It drives us to despair. Many people are waiting in freezing conditions and without sufficient humanitarian and medical care for the life-saving evacuations to start again.

The blockades of the evacuations must end immediately. People who want to leave must be able to do so freely, safely and unconditionally. Furthermore, the staff of the United Nations and International Red Cross must be able to carry out their important work without further hindrance. In view of the horrendous devastation and the very difficult weather conditions, with below-freezing temperatures at night, literally every hour counts.

The reports on executions during the latest evacuations are shocking. It is the responsibility of the Syrian regime and its supporters in Russia and Iran to ensure the safety of the men, women and children still remaining in eastern Aleppo and to protect them from brutal attacks during the evacuation measures. This also applies expressly to members of civilian aid structures such as the White Helmets and members of the armed opposition.