MOADAMIYA /Syria/, May 2. /TASS/. Representatives of the city of Moadamiya located in Syria’s Damascus province have signed an agreement on reconciliation and ceasefire observance, spokesman for the Russian Center for Reconciliation of the warring parties in Syria Colonel Yuri Zraev has told reporters.
The agreement mediated by the Russian reconciliation center was signed by the city’s elders, representatives of the peasant community and head of the city administration Amin Mahfouz Zelek.
"This long and meticulous work lasted for two months. The administration expelled the armed groups from this populated locality, and we were able to convince them that it is necessary to sign the application form and take the path of reconciliation," Zraev said.
He noted that representatives of the Russian Center for Reconciliation of the warring parties in Syria were actively working on establishing peace in the east Qalamoun area. "This is a major task to persuade the civilian population that there are legal authorities, there is assistance. Another major problem is not to let gunmen or illegal armed groups located in these communities go away or join the ISIL (the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant - former name of Islamic State) or Jabhat al-Nusra (the groups outlawed in Russia)," Zraev said.
Meanwhile, representative of the Syrian National Reconciliation Ministry Yaser Saadallah recalled that earlier the settlements of al-Ruheibe and al-Nasiriyah had joint the reconciliation agreement. Besides, the cities of Jeirut and Ketna are to join this agreement at an early date. "Thus, the peace process will cover the entire east Qalamoun area, and we will bring back stability and security to the region," he said.
A humanitarian action was timed to coincide with the signing ceremony. The Russian military delivered about 3,5 tons of food to Moadamiya. Local residents received ready-to-eat meals, canned fish and meat, sugar, flour, tea and cereals and children - sweets: waffles, biscuits and candy. The Russian military also deployed a mobile medical center and provided medical care to those in need.
A temporary truce was announced in the suburbs of Damascus and in Latakia province as of April 30, as agreed by Russian and U.S. representatives. In Latakia, the truce was due to last for 72 hours and in the suburbs of Damascus - for 24 hours. Later the truce in in the suburbs of Damascus was extended for another 24 hours. During this period of time it is prohibited to conduct warfare and use all types of weapons.