US, Russia announce Syria ceasefire from Saturday

The United States and Russia announced yesterday that a landmark “cessation of hostilities” in war-torn Syria will take effect on February 27 (Saturday), reports AFP from Washington. In a joint statement, the two countries said Saturday's partial truce would begin at midnight Damascus time (2200 GMT Friday) and would apply to parties to the conflict that have committed to the deal -- but not to the Islamic State group or Al-Nusra Front, an Al-Qaeda affiliate.
"If implemented and adhered to, this cessation will not only lead to a decline in violence, but also continue to expand the delivery of urgently needed humanitarian supplies to besieged areas and support a political transition to a government that is responsive to the desires of the Syrian people," US Secretary of State John Kerry said in a statement. US President Barack Obama and Russia's President Vladimir Putin discussed the deal in a phone call, the White House said.
"This is a moment of opportunity and we are hopeful that all the parties will capitalize on it," White House press secretary Josh Earnest said. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called the ceasefire a "long-awaited signal of hope" and urged all sides to abide by it.
Once the cessation of hostilities takes hold, the United Nations will work to secure "access to as many places as possible in order to deliver humanitarian aid," UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said.
The 17-nation group backing Syria's peace process agreed at a meeting in Munich to implement a ceasefire within a week, but the truce never materialized.
Ban said the truce announced Monday "contributes to creating an environment conducive for the resumption of political negotiations," which had been scheduled to resume this week.
A halt in hostilities in Syria would come after five years of brutal civil war that has killed more than 260,000 people and seen half the population displaced, including over four million overseas.
Parties wishing to be included in the agreement have until noon Damascus time Friday to inform Russia or the United States of their intention to honor it.
In return, the groups would be assured of protection from Russian and US-led coalition planes. The two powers are pursuing separate air wars in Syria, with Russia pounding rebel targets and the coalition focused on the IS group. The deal marks a significant change in the level at which US and Russian officials are prepared to cooperate in Syria.

 

 

 

US, Russia announce Syria ceasefire from Saturday

The United States and Russia announced yesterday that a landmark cessation of hostilities in war-torn Syria will take effect on February 27 (Saturday), reports AFP from Washington. In a joint statement, the two countries said Saturdays partial truce would begin at midnight Damascus time (2200 GMT Friday) and would apply to parties to the conflict that have committed to the deal -- but not to the Islamic State group or Al-Nusra Front, an Al-Qaeda affiliate. If implemented and adhered to, this cessation will not only lead to a decline in violence, but also continue to expand the delivery of urgently needed humanitarian supplies to besieged areas and support a political transition to a government that is responsive to the desires of the Syrian people, US Secretary of State John Kerry said in a statement. US President Barack Obama and Russias President Vladimir Putin discussed the deal in a phone call, the White House said. This is a moment of opportunity and we are hopeful that all the parties will capitalize on it, White House press secretary Josh Earnest said. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called the ceasefire a long-awaited signal of hope and urged all sides to abide by it. Once the cessation of hostilities takes hold, the United Nations will work to secure access to as many places as possible in order to deliver humanitarian aid, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said. The 17-nation group backing Syrias peace process agreed at a meeting in Munich to implement a ceasefire within a week, but the truce never materialized. Ban said the truce announced Monday contributes to creating an environment conducive for the resumption of political negotiations, which had been scheduled to resume this week. A halt in hostilities in Syria would come after five years of brutal civil war that has killed more than 260,000 people and seen half the population displaced, including over four million overseas. Parties wishing to be included in the agreement have until noon Damascus time Friday to inform Russia or the United States of their intention to honor it. In return, the groups would be assured of protection from Russian and US-led coalition planes. The two powers are pursuing separate air wars in Syria, with Russia pounding rebel targets and the coalition focused on the IS group. The deal marks a significant change in the level at which US and Russian officials are prepared to cooperate in Syria.