U.S., Russia to enhance efforts to implement ceasefire deal in Syria

The United States and Russia have decided to intensify efforts to ensure the nationwide implementation of the ceasefire agreement in Syria, said a joint statement issued by the two countries Monday.

Washington and Moscow are using their influence with the conflicting parties in Syria to press them to abide by the ceasefire agreement that took effect on Feb. 27, refrain from disproportionate responses to provocations, and demonstrate restraint, according to the statement.

"We believe our joint efforts have brought about a significant decrease in violence in the areas of North Latakia and East Ghouta," said the joint statement.

"However, we also recognize the difficulties faced by the CoH (cessation of hostilities) in several areas of the country, especially in the recent period, as well as remaining problems in ensuring humanitarian access to the besieged areas."

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry is on travel to France Monday and will meet later in the day with representatives from France, Germany, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and Britain on the situation in Syria.

The United States and Russia demand that Syrian government forces and the oppositions cease any indiscriminate attacks on civilians, said the joint statement, adding that Russia will work with the Syrian authorities to minimize aviation operations over areas that are predominantly inhabited by civilians or parties to the cessation.

Last Tuesday, Washington and Moscow agreed to extend the fragile truce in Syria to the northern Aleppo city and its surrounding areas following days of violence between the government forces and rebels that had killed over 120 people and injured hundreds of others.

The Syrian government has blamed the rebels in Aleppo for violating the truce, while oppositions accused Syrian warplanes of striking rebel-held areas in the eastern part of the city.

The United States and Russia, co-chairs of the International Syria Support Group, also intend to enhance efforts to promote humanitarian assistance to all people in need throughout Syria, particularly in all besieged and hard-to-reach areas, according to the joint statement.

In addition, the two countries are determined to redouble efforts to reach a political settlement of the Syrian conflict through UN-backed intra-Syrian negotiations in Geneva. Endit