Turkey welcomes U.S.-Russia truce deal on Syria

Turkey on Saturday welcomed a U.S.-Russian deal for a ceasefire in war-torn Syria, Turkish Foreign Ministry said in a statement on its website Saturday.

It was essential to halt fighting and allow humanitarian aid to reach those in need on the Islamic Eid al-Adha holiday starting on Monday, it said.

"Turkey is preparing to provide humanitarian aid to the northern city of Aleppo," the statement said.

The United States and Russia early Saturday announced a landmark agreement on a nationwide ceasefire in Syria, which would commence with the start of the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha.

The week-long truce also includes improving humanitarian aid access and a joint military operation against banned terrorist groups.

All attacks and airstrikes will be stopped and unobstructed access will be allowed to besieged areas, including the northern city of Aleppo, according to the truce.

Turkey said it would support efforts to ensure the truce holds and to turn the deal into a long-term political solution.

This is the first time between the United States and Russia reach an agreement on such a comprehensive package.

The breakthrough is seen as having the potential to provide a turning point for Syria, where the conflict has killed up to 500,000 people. Endit