The Russian-American declaration on Syria: a success for Moscow

On 22 February 2016, Russia and the United States issued a statement containing the principles for a ceasefire in the Syrian conflict – which were agreed in the course of confidential bilateral contacts, and de facto had the nature of an ultimatum. In accordance with this agreement, the parties to the conflict had until noon on 26 February 2016 to confirm to either the United States or Russia that they would participate in the agreement, which was to come into force on 27 February 2016. The agreement was intended to lead to a complete ceasefire between the parties (except in self-defence). Groups considered to be terrorists were excluded from the ceasefire, including the forces of Islamic State and Jabhat an-Nusra, as well as those groupings which do not accept its conditions. The United States and Russia were to exchange information about the locations of the forces covered by the ceasefire. Military action against other groups continued. The cease-fire regime was to be supervised by a special working group of the International Syria Support Group (under the auspices of the United Nations), led by Russia and the United States. The parties to the conflict also had to commit to guaranteeing access for humanitarian assistance to the civilian population in the areas each controls.

ESO: Background information: US and Russia announce Syria truce http://www.europeansources.info/record/us-and-russia-announce-syria-truce/

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