French PM Condemns Aleppo 'massacres'

PARIS, , (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 13th Dec, 2016 ) - French Prime Minister Bernard Cazeneuve condemned on Tuesday "massacres" in Aleppo by Syrian forces backed by Russia which he said could amount to war crimes or crimes against humanity.

"I denounce the horror of these massacres and I confirm that the perpetrators will have to account for their crimes before the international community," he told parliament. Cazeneuve, 53, who was promoted from interior minister to PM last week, said that "a terrifying humanitarian tragedy" was unfolding in Aleppo, which is about to fall to Syrian forces.

"These atrocities, which could amount to war crimes or even crimes against humanity, are being carried out with unprecedented cynicism and cruelty," Cazeneuve added. After weeks of heavy fighting, regime forces were poised to take full control of Aleppo, dealing the biggest blow to Syria's rebellion in more than five years of civil war.

Syrian pro-government forces have reportedly executed dozens of civilians in Aleppo including women and children, the United Nations said Tuesday, after weeks of deadly bombardment that has also left hospitals in ruins.