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Syrian NGO begins rebuilding war-torn Idlib

The relative calm prevailing in northern Syria’s opposition-controlled areas, specifically in Idlib province, is inspiring relief organizations to launch reconstruction projects aimed at infusing life back into the devastated areas.

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Residents of Idlib celebrate the restoration of the city's famed clock tower in a screenshot from this video uploaded May 27, 2017. — YouTube/Idlib Media Center

ALEPPO, Syria — There are signs of new life, and hope, in northern Syria.

On May 27, the Violet organization, with the cooperation of the Idlib Provincial Council, launched the Idlib Spring project in light of the de-escalation deal signed May 6 in Astana, Kazakhstan, between the Syrian regime and armed opposition factions. The deal, brokered by Russia and Turkey, has brought a relative calm in opposition-held areas, particularly Idlib city. The agreement establishes four de-escalation zones for a minimum of six months in Idlib province and parts of Aleppo, Hama and Latakia.

The Idlib Spring project is designed to rehabilitate areas shelled by regime forces. It hopes to bring the city back to life as it was before the shelling. The project also aims to rebuild all areas shelled in Idlib city and recondition the city’s infrastructure, such as schools, hospitals and public parks. More than 1,500 workers are involved in the project and perform their duties under Violet’s supervision.

Violet, a humanitarian relief nongovernmental organization, was established in 2014 and receives funding from international, Arab and individual donations. It's noteworthy, however, that the project doesn't include home construction, and no other government or nongovernmental agency has so far announced such plans for Idlib.

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