Statement by the High Representative/Vice-President Federica Mogherini on the announcement of a cessation of hostilities in Syria

On the 29 December 2016 Russia announced that the Syrian government and certain armed opposition groups had reached an agreement on a ceasefire on Syrian territory, taking effect on the 30 December 2016. Russia and Turkey took the role of the ceasefire guarantors and planned talks with all the parties in Astana in January 2017.

The EU welcomed the move but called for a renewal of intra-Syrian talks under UN auspices, within the framework set by the UN Security Council.

ESO: Background information: Declaration by the High Representative on behalf of the EU on the situation in Aleppo http://www.europeansources.info/record/european-unions-reaction-to-escalation-of-fighting-in-aleppo/

Sputnik International, 30.12.16: Ceasefire in Syria 'Holding Adequately' - Russian Envoy to UN https://sputniknews.com/politics/201612301049150380-ceasefire-syria-holding/

Politico, 30.12.16: US sidelined as Putin calls the shots on Syria cease-fire http://www.politico.eu/article/syria-barack-obama-vladimir-putin/

The Guardian, 30.12.16: [Opinion]: Until a ceasefire covers all rebel groups, war will rage on in Syria https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/dec/30/syria-ceasefire-civil-war-terrorists-assad-putin-peace-deal

UN: UN News Centre, 29.12.16: Syria: UN envoy welcomes new ceasefire between Government and opposition groups http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=55888#.WGf8ln3w-2E

Euro|Topics: Debates, January 2017: Will Russia bring peace to Syria? http://www.eurotopics.net/en/172007/will-russia-bring-peace-to-syria

BBC News, 03.01.17: Syrian war: Peace talks under threat amid rebel warning http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-38492939

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