US and Russia have agreed to a new ceasefire in Syria. The deal is the latest in a series of attempts to bring peace, at least temporary, to the war-torn country and follows the failure of a ceasefire agreed recently in Geneva. But, coming from two major powers, the latest truce gives hope because the joint statement by Moscow and Washington could not have been issued -- after extensive talks – unless they had clear indications that the terms of the agreement will be accepted by the key players including the Syrian government, the opposition forces and the Syrian Kurds. The ceasefire deal excludes terrorist organisations like the Islamic State, Al Nusra Front and other groups. In another sign of the deal getting some life, Russia and America have agreed to act as direct guarantors and monitors of the cessation of hostilities. Russian President Vladimir Putin praised it as an example of action against terrorism. “I’m convinced that the joint actions agreed with the American side are able to radically transform the crisis situation in Syria,” Putin said.
Under the deal, the cessation of hostilities is set to come into force on 27 February. There will be co-ordination between the two sides to set out territories that are subject to the ceasefire, and therefore will not be subject to aerial bombing by Russia, attacks by the Syrian army or the American backed opposition. Any violations will be reported on a hotline to a special task force manned by both sides. A ceasefire would also reduce some of the pressure on the Turkish border as refugees flee Aleppo and seek sanctuary.
What Syria needs today is a ceasefire, however temporary. The lull in violence and aerial bombardments can be used to deliver the urgently needed aid to thousands of people in besieged areas, especially women and children, whose suffering has been unparalleled in recent history. As US Secretary of State John Kerry said, this ceasefire, if implemented and followed properly, will not only lead to a decline in violence, but can also support a political transition to a government that is responsive to the desires of the Syrian people.
The responsibility for implementing the truce lies primarily with Russia as its are forces are in the air and on the ground in Syria fighting rebels along with the forces of Bashar Al Assad. Russia’s entry has complicated the Syrian crisis and a solution has been made difficult with the strengthening of the hands of Assad whose overthrow is a must to bring peace to the country. Washington too has been insisting that Assad must stand down at the end of any peace process, and it should not go back on this demand under pressure from Moscow.
US and Russia have agreed to a new ceasefire in Syria. The deal is the latest in a series of attempts to bring peace, at least temporary, to the war-torn country and follows the failure of a ceasefire agreed recently in Geneva. But, coming from two major powers, the latest truce gives hope because the joint statement by Moscow and Washington could not have been issued -- after extensive talks – unless they had clear indications that the terms of the agreement will be accepted by the key players including the Syrian government, the opposition forces and the Syrian Kurds. The ceasefire deal excludes terrorist organisations like the Islamic State, Al Nusra Front and other groups. In another sign of the deal getting some life, Russia and America have agreed to act as direct guarantors and monitors of the cessation of hostilities. Russian President Vladimir Putin praised it as an example of action against terrorism. “I’m convinced that the joint actions agreed with the American side are able to radically transform the crisis situation in Syria,” Putin said.
Under the deal, the cessation of hostilities is set to come into force on 27 February. There will be co-ordination between the two sides to set out territories that are subject to the ceasefire, and therefore will not be subject to aerial bombing by Russia, attacks by the Syrian army or the American backed opposition. Any violations will be reported on a hotline to a special task force manned by both sides. A ceasefire would also reduce some of the pressure on the Turkish border as refugees flee Aleppo and seek sanctuary.
What Syria needs today is a ceasefire, however temporary. The lull in violence and aerial bombardments can be used to deliver the urgently needed aid to thousands of people in besieged areas, especially women and children, whose suffering has been unparalleled in recent history. As US Secretary of State John Kerry said, this ceasefire, if implemented and followed properly, will not only lead to a decline in violence, but can also support a political transition to a government that is responsive to the desires of the Syrian people.
The responsibility for implementing the truce lies primarily with Russia as its are forces are in the air and on the ground in Syria fighting rebels along with the forces of Bashar Al Assad. Russia’s entry has complicated the Syrian crisis and a solution has been made difficult with the strengthening of the hands of Assad whose overthrow is a must to bring peace to the country. Washington too has been insisting that Assad must stand down at the end of any peace process, and it should not go back on this demand under pressure from Moscow.
