ICC has to investigate Russian war crimes in Syria’s Aleppo: France

[uhnope]

Source: ARA

The International Criminal Court has to investigate possible war crimes committed by Russia and the Assad regime in Syria’s Aleppo, French officials said on Monday. “We do not agree with what Russia is doing, bombarding Aleppo. France is committed as never before to saving the population of Aleppo,” French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to visit Paris on 19 October. However, according to reports the French President Francois Hollande has not decided yet whether to meet his Russian counterpart. According to Ayrault, Hollande will take into account the ongoing bombardment of Aleppo if he meets Putin in Paris.

“If the president decides [to meet Putin], this will not be to trade pleasantries,” minister Ayrault told France’s Inter radio on Monday.

The French call comes amid intensifying Russian and Syrian airstrikes on eastern Aleppo. Hundreds of civilians have been killed over the past few weeks. The exact number of fatalities is difficult to establish as many bodies remain buried under rubble.

Read more: http://aranews.net/2016/10/icc-investigate-russian-war-crimes-syrias-aleppo-france/

[David__77]

1. Russia and Syria, like the USA, didn't choose to subject themselves to ICC jurisdiction.

I'm hopeful that insurgents in districts of eastern Aleppo will allow for the voluntary evacuation of civilians from eastern Aleppo. Also, I'm hopeful that the government and allied forces including Russia exercise restraint in securing eastern Aleppo.

An article in Irish Times states (see http://www.irishtimes.com/news/world/middle-east/syria-aims-to-drive-rebels-from-aleppo-before-end-of-2016-1.2822886):

The UN Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs reports that half the civilians living in eastern Aleppo want to leave due to the lack of clean water, food and security. Women, especially, fear for the health and lives of their children.

However, insurgents controlling the eastern districts are divided, a source who was recently there says. Jabhat Fateh al-Sham and its chief ally Ahrar al-Sham are determined to stay and oppose the departure of civilians.