Syria rebels 'to leave east Aleppo' -Russia's ambassador UN 

Russia's ambassador to the United Nations, Vitaly Churkin says a deal has been agreed for Syrian rebel fighters to leave enclaves they still hold in eastern Aleppo.
 
It is not clear whether the deal applies to civilians, thousands of whom are trapped in the besieged areas.

The rebels are on the brink of defeat in the city after a major government offensive backed by Russian air power.

Word of the deal came as the UN reported summary killings by pro-government forces.

The UN's human rights office said it had reliable evidence that in four areas 82 civilians were killed, adding that many more may have died.

Ambassador Vitaly Churkin said he understood that an arrangement for rebel fighters to leave the city could happen "within hours", but that civilians were not included.

"The agreement is for the fighters to leave," he said.

"The civilians, they can stay, they can go to safe places, and they can take advantage of the humanitarian arrangements that are on the ground. Nobody is going to harm the civilians."

He reiterated Moscow's denial that abuses were taking place.

Rebel groups have confirmed the deal, but suggested that civilians will be included.

SOURCE: BBC News