Syria: Minister Alfano calls UN Special Envoy to Syria, Staffan De Mistura

During a telephone conversation today with Foreign Minister Angelino Alfano, the United Nations Special Envoy to Syria, Staffan De Mistura, confirmed the beginning of evacuations of civilians from Eastern Aleppo. Mr De Mistura also reiterated the need for the United Nations to monitor such operations. Minister Alfano expressed his profound concern for the humanitarian emergency in Eastern Aleppo and for the unacceptable loss of human life. The UN monitored evacuation of civilians still trapped in the city remains an absolute priority for Italy. To achieve this objective in compliance with the request of Mr De Mistura, Minister Alfano reiterated the urgent need to ensure total access to the city for United Nations and Red Crescent staff. Finally, Minister Alfano confirmed that Italy will persevere in its commitment to achieve a negotiated political solution to the Syrian crisis.