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Conflict in Syria

Russian lawmaker advises Aleppo militants "to shave" to stay alive

Lawmaker and former commander of Russia's Airborne Troops Vladimir Shamanov has praised the decision to establish corridors for the militants to leave Aleppo

© Valery Sharifulin/TASS

MOSCOW, October 18. /TASS/. Chairman of Russia’s State Duma (lower house of parliament) Defense Committee, Colonel General Vladimir Shamanov, has supported Moscow’s decision on "humanitarian pauses" in Syria’s Aleppo.

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Russian, Syrian aircraft stop airstrikes in Aleppo area — defense minister

"A sensible decision. Of course, there should be such corridors during the hostilities in the city while making decisions on separating [civilians from militants]," Shamanov told TASS, adding that "civilians need to go somewhere."

"But, most importantly, establishing two corridors for these militants was the right thing to do," the parliamentarian went on to say. "What makes me particularly happy is that they began shaving off their beards. They are on the right track to stay alive," he said again advising terrorists "to shave."

On Monday, the Russian military announced plans to organize a "humanitarian pause" in Aleppo between 08:00 and 16:00 on October 20. The UN said, commenting on Russia’s initiative, that it welcomes any break in hostilities. The US Department of State called it a "good thing", adding that "it’s a bit too late."

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