The Syrian regime will allow women and children to leave the besieged area of Homs, according to the UN mediator at the Geneva-2 peace talks, Lakhdar Brahimi.

A preliminary agreement envisions that the government would allow women and children to leave the city of Homs, in return for a list of detainees held by the opposition armed forces, the BBC reports.

Humanitarian aid may also be allowed in the city, if the rebel militia refrain from opening fire.

"You know that the centre of the city has been under siege for a very, very long time and now I hope that we are approaching a solution for at least the civilians", Brahimi commented.

The opposition has also asked for the release of thousands of political prisoners.

The UN envoy added that for the first time, on Sunday, the tone of the talks between the regime and the opposition was characterized by "respect and exchange".

Brahimi is hopeful that this minor, but landmark breakthrough, will materialize in the coming days.