WASHINGTON, United States. A plan has been agreed for a “nationwide cessation” of violence in Syria in a week’s time, says US Secretary of State John Kerry.
However, Islamic State, al Nusra and other terror groups will not be involved in the truce – and Russia has said it will be continuing its bombing campaign.
It is hoped that improving conditions on the ground would pave the way for peace talks to be relaunched in Geneva.
This breakthrough could also allow for humanitarian aid to be “accelerated and expanded” – potentially ending scenes like those seen in Madaya, a besieged town where thousands of Syrians were ravaged by famine last month.
The marathon talks in Munich involved Russia and more than a dozen other countries.
Mr Kerry, along with Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov, have conceded that the plan is only on paper at present – meaning the “real test” will be whether all parties involved in the Syrian conflict honour their commitments in the coming weeks.
Philip Hammond, the UK’s Foreign Secretary, has warned such a cessation of hostilities will only work if Russia stops its airstrikes.
In a statement, he said: “If implemented fully and properly … this (deal) will be an important step towards relieving the killing and suffering in Syria.
“Russia, in particular, claims to be attacking terrorist groups and yet consistently bombs non-extremist groups including civilians.”
Credit: Sky News
