Washington Post: U.S., Russia and other powers agree on ‘cessation of hostilities’ in Syria
MUNICH — The United States, Russia and other powers agreed to a “cessation of hostilities” in Syria’s civil war, to take place within the next week, and immediate humanitarian access into besieged areas, Secretary of State John F. Kerry announced here early Friday morning.
“It was unanimous,” Kerry said of a communique issued after hours of meetings among participants in a group of nations that have supported and armed one side or the other in the four-year war. “Everybody today agreed,” he said. But the proof of commitment will come only with implementation. “What we have here are words on paper,” Kerry said. “What we need to see in the next few days are actions on the ground.”
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said the projected date for ending at least some of his country’s airstrikes in Syria is a week from Friday, but he emphasized that “terrorist” groups would continue to be targeted, including the Islamic State and Jabhat al-Nusra, an affiliate of al-Qaeda’s in Syria that is involved in the fight against President Bashar al-Assad. The group in some instances fights alongside rebel forces supported by the United States and its allies.
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WNU Editor: This blog has been covering the conflict in Syria since the beginning. And while I will pray that this "ceasefire" will be successful .... another part of me knows that the misery, anger, and suffering is so great that I am sceptical that it will last even an hour. When I read reports that 11.5% of the Syrian population has been killed or injured .... sighhhh .... how can you have any reconciliation when there is that much anger and pain.
More News On U.S., Russia, And Other Powers Agreeing To Implement A Cease-Fire In Syria Within The Next Week
U.S. and Russia Announce Plan for Humanitarian Aid and a Cease-Fire in Syria -- NYT
Major powers agree to plan for 'cessation of hostilities' in Syria -- Reuters
Diplomats Aim for Temporary Syria Truce in a Week -- NYT/AP
World powers agree 'cessation of hostilities' in Syria -- AFP
World powers agree to 'cessation of hostilities' in Syria -- CNN
World powers announce plans to implement cease-fire in Syria -- L.A. Times
Major Powers Agree to Cessation of Hostilities in Syria -- VOA
Syria Truce Set for Next Week as U.S., Russia Back Peace Bid -- Bloomberg
Diplomats in Munich agree to Syria cease-fire in a week -- FOX News
U.S., Russia agree to a deal for a cease-fire in Syria's civil war -- USA Today