"Today the United States and Russia are announcing a plan which we hope will reduce violence, ease suffering and resume movement toward a negotiated peace and a political transition in Syria,'' he said. He said Syrian President Bashar Assad's government was informed of the accord, and prepared to comply. Washington must persuade "moderate'' rebels to break ranks with the Nusra Front, al-Qaeda's Syria affiliate, and other extremist groups. "If Aleppo continues to be torn apart, the prospects for Syria and its people are grim.'' Russia could, in theory, threaten to act against rebel groups that break the deal.

Source: Bangkok Post September 10, 2016 06:56 UTC