“None of us harbors any illusions. We understand that there are many potential pitfalls, reasons for skepticism, history will not forgive us if we don’t perform our work, at least with respect to diplomatic efforts to put an end to the terrible conflict,” Obama said after a meeting of the Council of national security of the United States. He noted that the truce will help to reduce the level of violence in Syria and access to humanitarian assistance.
The U.S. President said that the coming days will be critical to the implementation of the agreements. He urged the government to suspend the fighting in Syria, including airstrikes. “It will be a test of how all parties are willing to negotiate for a political settlement of the crisis,” Obama said.
"A lot of that is going to depend on whether the Syrian regime, Russia, and their allies live up to their commitments," he said in remarks at the State Department.
The American leader stressed that the U.S. will continue fighting against the militants of the international terrorist organization “Islamic state” (ISIS) in Syria and Iraq. “I want to say it is absolutely clear that there will be no ceasefire against ISIS”...
[rushincrash.com]
26/2/16
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Damascus Condemns Kerry Remarks: US Responsible for Prolonging Crisis
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Obama says end of Syria crisis key to anti-IS campaign ...
ReplyDeleteThe fight against the Islamic State (IS) is making progress and ending the Syrian conflict is crucial to the defeat of the terrorist group, U.S. President Barack Obama said Thursday.
Airstrikes by the U.S.-led coalition have led to the IS losing over 40 percent of its territory in Iraq and seeing a slower inflow of foreign fighters, Obama told reporters after a meeting with the National Security Council at the State Department.
"The road ahead will not be easy but our coalition continues to grow stronger, the ISIL (another acronym of IS) core in Syria and Iraq continues to shrink. With allies and partners...we will destroy this barbaric terrorist organization," Obama said.
He added that an end to the conflict in Syria is key to the eventual success of the anti-IS campaign.
On Monday, the United States and Russia agreed on a plan for a cessation of hostilities in Syria that will begin on Feb. 27.
The United States and Russia said in a joint statement that any party engaged in conflicts in Syria will indicate to Russia or the United States their commitment to the cessation of hostilities by no later than 12:00 (Damascus time) on Saturday. The plan excludes the IS.
The cessation of hostilities was largely envisaged in Munich on Feb. 12 during a meeting of the International Syrian Support Group (ISSG), which is co-chaired by the United States and Russia. The group comprises the Arab League, the European Union, the United Nations, and 17 countries including China.
The IS terrorist group captured large swaths of land in Iraq and Syria in the past several years.
http://www.china.org.cn/world/2016-02/26/content_37878922.htm
26/2/16