Int’l Welcoming to Syria Ceasefire

Local Editor

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday said the planned ceasefire for Syria was a "historic opportunity" to end the nearly six-year Syrian conflict, saying it was a chance that could not be wasted.

"This chance absolutely should not be lost. This is a historic opportunity," he told a news conference in Ankara alongside Kosovo President Hashim Thaci.

In his first public comment on the ceasefire deal that was announced earlier by Russian President Vladimir Putin, Erdogan added: "This is a window of opportunity that has been opened and should not be squandered."

Erdogan reaffirmed that "terror groups" were not included in the deal brokered by Turkey and Russia which is due to come into force at midnight.

He indicated that Turkey would press on with its four month incursion into Syria against Daesh [Arabic Acronym for the terroris "ISIS"/ "ISIL" group] and Kurdish militia.

"The fight against terror groups, including Daesh, will continue with determination until the security of our citizens is assured."

Without naming countries, he said other states with an influence on the ground in Syria should show "the necessary sensitivity" to ensure the ceasefire is implemented.

For his part, US State Department spokesman Mark Toner welcomed the Syrian ceasefire: "News of a ceasefire in the Syrian civil war is a positive development."

He further added: "We hope it will be implemented fully and respected by all parties. Any effort that stops the violence, saves lives, and creates the conditions for renewed and productive political negotiations would be welcome."

Toner said Washington "fully" supports a call by the UN special envoy for Syria, Staffan de Mistura, for renewed negotiations in Geneva on Syria's political future.

"The international community hopes this ceasefire will hold so a Syrian-led transition toward a more representative, united, and peaceful government can begin," Toner said.

"An inclusive Syrian-led political process between the Syrian regime and the opposition is critical for establishing a durable settlement to this conflict."

Similarly, the UN's Syria envoy Staffan de Mistura praised the nationwide ceasefire deal and voiced hope it would help aid reach civilians.

"The Special Envoy welcomes the announcement of a nationwide ceasefire between the Government of Syria and armed opposition groups in Syria", which is due to take effect at midnight, de Mistura's office said in a statement.

The UN envoy also hoped that the deal, brokered by Russia and Turkey, "will save civilian lives, facilitate the delivery of humanitarian assistance across Syria, and pave the way for productive talks in Astana," the statement added.

While de Mistura offered support for those talks, which would take place outside the UN umbrella, he also reiterated that he wants negotiations mediated by his office to continue early next year.

"The Special Envoy is of the view that these developments should contribute to inclusive and productive intra-Syrian negotiations to be convened under UN auspices on 8 February 2017."

Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team