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International Responses to Syria’s Comprehensive Ceasefire | ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English Archive 2005 -2017
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In the streets of Aleppo, Syria (Abdalrhman Ismail, Reuters)


London and Cairo – United States cautiously welcomed the declared nationwide ceasefire in Syria sponsored by Russia and Turkey as a “positive development,” saying it hoped it would lead to fresh talks on the war-wracked country’s political future.

“News of a ceasefire in the Syrian civil war is a positive development,” State Department spokesman Mark Toner said in a statement.

“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,” AFP reported Toner.

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

U.N. Syria envoy Staffan de Mistura welcomed the announcement of a Syria ceasefire deal on Thursday and said he hoped it would save civilian lives, enable the delivery of aid and lead to productive peace talks in Astana.

“These developments should contribute to inclusive and productive intra-Syrian negotiations to be convened under U.N. auspices on 8 February 2017,” de Mistura’s spokeswoman said in a statement.

Arab League has welcomed the declaration of a comprehensive ceasefire in Syria.

In a statement issued, the Arab League Secretary General Ahmad Abul Gheit said fighting should stop since it was the cornerstone element that was called for by all Arab countries. He added that the ceasefire agreement must be accompanied with a political solution to the crisis.

Abul Gheit said: “The Syrian people have suffered tremendously and upholding this agreement must be the ultimate goal.”

Sec-Gen called for an international-monitoring method to implement the ceasefire agreement and to ensure all parties involved uphold it, noting that such step should benefit the Syrian people exclusively and not any party involved.

Also, Egypt welcomed the nationwide cease-fire in Syria that will go into effect at Thursday midnight.

Egyptian Foreign Ministry issued a statement saying it is of “critical importance” that Syrian forces develop a common vision to resolve the country’s crisis and begin serious political talks about the future of Syria.

In addition, Jordan welcomed the announcement made by Russian President Vladimir Putin on a ceasefire between Syrian opposition groups and the Syrian government, as well as the readiness of all warring parties to start peace talks.

State Minister for Media Affairs Mohammad Momani hoped the announcement will lead to more serious and practical steps to achieve a political solution to the Syrian crisis that has been ongoing for 6 years, and restore security and stability in the country.

Momani, who is also the government spokesperson, said that since the start of the crisis in Syria, Jordan has called for a political solution to this crisis as it is the only way to bring about peace and stability in Syria and end all forms of violence.