US, Russia announce Syria ceasefire from Saturday

The United States and Russia on Monday announced plans for a landmark "cessation of hostilities" to take effect in war-torn Syria on February 27, excluding the main jihadist factions.

The announcement drew a conditional acceptance from the main opposition grouping and came just one day after the deadliest jihadist attack in the nearly five-year war, with 134 people -- mostly civilians -- killed in a series of blasts near Damascus.

In a joint statement, Washington and Moscow said the partial truce would begin at midnight Damascus time (2200 GMT Friday) and apply to parties to the conflict that have committed to the deal -- but not to the Islamic State (ISIS) group or al-Nusra Front, an al-Qaeda affiliate. Parties wishing to be included in the agreement have until noon Damascus time on Friday to inform Moscow or Washington of their intention to honour the ceasefire.

"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.

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 capitalise 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.

Putin said Moscow will do "whatever is necessary" to ensure that Damascus respects the agreement.

"We are counting on the United States to do the same with its allies and the groups that it supports," he said in a televised address.
Source :AFP