Syrian regime accepts ceasefire deal

The Syrian government on Tuesday accepted the terms of a ceasefire deal announced by the United States and Russia, a foreign ministry statement said.

The statement said the government would stop armed operations but would “continue counter-terrorism efforts” against ISIS, al-Qaeda and affiliated groups.

The deal was announced on Monday by Moscow and Washington and excludes ISIS and al-Qaeda.

“To guarantee that the cessation of hostilities will successfully start on the set date of Saturday, February 27, the Syrian government is ready to continue coordinating with Russia to determine the areas and armed groups that will fall under this ceasefire,” the statement said.

It said the armed forces reserved the right to respond to any attack by opposition groups.

Analysts say that given the facts on the ground - in particular the complex make-up of rebel forces and frequently shifting frontlines - the ceasefire may already be doomed to fail.

In northern Syria especially, many non-jihadist rebel groups have operational ties with al-Qaeda’s Syria affiliate, al-Nusra.
 AFP - alarabiya.net
23/2/16
--
-
Related:

• US State Department Reaffirms Call for Turkey to Stop Shelling Kurds 

• Turkey welcomes Syria ceasefire, wants to see end to Russian bombardments