Diplomats agree to Syria cease-fire in a week

[webfact]

Diplomats agree to Syria cease-fire in a week

BEIRUT (AP) — U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry says diplomats meeting in Munich have agreed to work with Syrian parties to implement a "nationwide cessation of hostilities."

Kerry said early Friday that the target is to implement the cease-fire in a week's time. He said that would not apply to the Islamic State group and the extremist al-Nusra Front.

Kerry said diplomats from the U.S., Russia and other powers also agreed to "accelerate and expand" the delivery of humanitarian aid immediately, bringing aid to besieged areas.

A working group is to start meeting in Geneva Immediately to oversee that.

-- (c) Associated Press 2016-02-12

[Grouse]

Best news in a long time!

I hope Russia plays ball

Fingers crossed

[webfact]

Diplomats aim for temporary Syria truce in a week
MATTHEW LEE, AP Diplomatic Writer

MUNICH (AP) — Diplomats trying to secure a ceasefire for the civil war in Syria fell short early Friday in organizing an immediate truce but agreed to try to work out details and implement a temporary "cessation of hostilities" in the coming week.

Although foreign ministers from the International Syria Support Group managed to seal an agreement to "accelerate and expand" deliveries of humanitarian aid to besieged Syrian communities beginning this week, their failure to agree on a ceasefire leaves the most critical step to resuming peace talks unresolved. It was not clear from their comments afterward if deep differences regarding the truce and which groups would be eligible for it could be overcome.

Speaking for the group, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry hailed the results as a significant accomplishment but noted that a cessation-of-hostilities agreement, if it can be achieved, would only be a "pause" in fighting and that more work would need to be done to turn it into a fully-fledged ceasefire.

He also allowed that the agreements made were "commitments on paper" only.

"The real test is whether or not all the parties honor those commitments and implement them," he told reporters after the nearly six-hour meeting at a Munich hotel, which ran the early hours of Friday.

While humanitarian access is critical to relieving the suffering of millions of Syrians in the short term, a durable and lasting ceasefire will be required if stalled negotiations between Syrian President Bashar Assad's government and the opposition are to resume on or before the U.N.-set target date of Feb. 25. The talks broke down last month before they really started, due largely to gains by Assad's military with the heavy backing of Russian airstrikes.

Kerry and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who had been pressing for a ceasefire to begin March 1, said the U.S. and Russia would co-chair both the working group on humanitarian aid as well as a task force that will try to deal with the "modalities" of the temporary truce and include members of the military along with representatives from countries that are supporting various armed groups in Syria.

Russia had proposed the March 1 ceasefire, but the U.S. and others saw that as a ploy to give Moscow and the Syrian army three more weeks to try to crush Western- and Arab-backed rebels. The U.S. countered with demands for an immediate stop to the fighting. Both countries appeared to have made concessions on that front.

Despite the concession on potential timing of the truce and the agreement to set up the task force, the U.S., Russia and others remain far apart on which groups should be eligible for it. The new task force will take up a job that was supposed to have been settled months ago. At the moment, only two groups — the Islamic State group and the al-Qaida-affiliated al-Nusra Front — are ineligible for the truce because they are identified as terrorist organizations by the United Nations.

Russia, Syria and Iran argue that other groups, notably some supported by Turkey, Saudi Arabia and some other Arab states, should not be eligible for the ceasefire, and there was no sign Friday that those differences had been resolved.

Lavrov said the Russian air campaign in support of Assad's military would continue against terrorist groups and denied persistent reports that the Russian strikes have hit civilian areas, notably around rebel-held Aleppo, where heavy fighting has been raging for the past week.

Among the issues the task force is charged with sorting out are delineating territories held by the Islamic State, al-Nusra and other militant groups, ensuring the compliance of eligible parties and referring violations of the truce for appropriate action, including exclusion from the arrangement.

Asked Friday to comment on the Munich talks, Salem Meslet, the spokesman for the Syrian opposition coalition known as the High Negotiations Commitee, said, "We must see action on the ground in Syria."

Five years of conflict have killed more than a quarter-million people, created Europe's biggest refugee crisis since World War II and allowed the Islamic State to carve out its own territory across parts of Syria and neighboring Iraq.

Overall, the United Nations says almost half a million people are besieged in Syria. Since the beginning of 2015, Syria's government had approved just 13 inter-agency aid convoys, out of 113 requested, the U.N. reported last month.

As Kerry met with the Syria group in Munich, U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter was in Brussels to rally fresh support for the fight against the Islamic State group in largely the same territory.

Carter said defense ministers from more than two dozen countries gave a "broad endorsement" of a refined U.S. plan for defeating the Islamic State. After a meeting at NATO headquarters, Carter told reporters that nearly all participants either promised new military commitments or said their governments would consider new contributions. He predicted "tangible gains" in Iraq and Syria by March.

"We will all look back after victory and remember who participated in the fight," he said, appealing to coalition partners to expand and deepen their military contributions.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said the alliance agreed Thursday to deploy NATO airborne command and control aircraft in order to free up similar U.S. aircraft for the air campaign in Syria and Iraq.
___

Associated Press writer Nataliya Vasilyeva in Moscow, Jamey Keaten in Geneva, Bassem Mroue in Beirut, Lolita C. Baldor and Bradley Klapper in Washington, Robert Burns in Brussels and Geir Moulson in Munich contributed to this report.


-- (c) Associated Press 2016-02-12

[ezzra]

I'm sure that is ceasefire flies in the face of the Russians who up to now, where engaged in ethnic cleansing

with indiscriminate bombing of combatants and civilians alike....not out of love for Assad or the Iranians,

but to reinforce their holds on more of Syria and their presences in there.....

[boomerangutang]

Sorry to sound cynical, but a cease fire won't last, any more than the two Koreas break down their barrier walls and have a picnic together.

People get so set in their myopic mind-sets. People who are born and bred in the Middle East only know about constriction and conflict. Now, if they'd grown up in Hawaii or Malibu or Portland Oregon, ......then they'd have the ability to think in more expansive ways.

[SgtRock]

Kerry said early Friday that the target is to implement the cease-fire in a week's time. He said that would not apply to the Islamic State group and the extremist al-Nusra Front.

It will not apply to arguably the 2 biggest terrorist groups in Syria.

This is going to work well.

[Geoffggi]

This is not a cease fire it is only a tentative suggestion that the people fighting IS should stop fighting in an attempt to deliver aid to the besieged people; while the act has it's good points, I can only see the outcome being the IS robbing the convoys of aid or some of these convoys being attacked and none combatants being slaughtered.

[craigt3365]

Kerry said early Friday that the target is to implement the cease-fire in a week's time. He said that would not apply to the Islamic State group and the extremist al-Nusra Front.

It will not apply to arguably the 2 biggest terrorist groups in Syria.

This is going to work well.

I think this has more to do with the fact these 2 groups are not part of the negotiations. Right? If Russia would focus on ONLY these groups, and not innocent civilians, we might make some fantastic headway. And reduce the humanitarian disaster there.

[SgtRock]

craigt3365, on 12 Feb 2016 - 09:00, said:

SgtRock, on 12 Feb 2016 - 08:51, said:

Quote

Kerry said early Friday that the target is to implement the cease-fire in a week's time. He said that would not apply to the Islamic State group and the extremist al-Nusra Front.

It will not apply to arguably the 2 biggest terrorist groups in Syria.

This is going to work well.

I think this has more to do with the fact these 2 groups are not part of the negotiations. Right? If Russia would focus on ONLY these groups, and not innocent civilians, we might make some fantastic headway. And reduce the humanitarian disaster there.

We can agree to disagree. If there are going to be peace talks they need to be all inclusive IMO.

Whilst there is no doubt that innocent civilians are being killed, not just by Russia. Sad but true.

Is it possible that you could tell me, in the middle of a bloody conflict how one determines the difference between an innocent civilian and a terrorist in civilian clothing ?

[gerry1011]

I'm sure that is ceasefire flies in the face of the Russians who up to now, where engaged in ethnic cleansing

with indiscriminate bombing of combatants and civilians alike....not out of love for Assad or the Iranians,

but to reinforce their holds on more of Syria and their presences in there.....

The ceasefire proposal was submitted - including specific measures - by the Russians.

The Russians were waiting for Kerry to accept it...

[boomerangutang]

I can understand why the negotiations did not invite/include IS.

[jpinx]

craigt3365, on 12 Feb 2016 - 09:00, said:

SgtRock, on 12 Feb 2016 - 08:51, said:

Quote

Kerry said early Friday that the target is to implement the cease-fire in a week's time. He said that would not apply to the Islamic State group and the extremist al-Nusra Front.

It will not apply to arguably the 2 biggest terrorist groups in Syria.

This is going to work well.

I think this has more to do with the fact these 2 groups are not part of the negotiations. Right? If Russia would focus on ONLY these groups, and not innocent civilians, we might make some fantastic headway. And reduce the humanitarian disaster there.

We can agree to disagree. If there are going to be peace talks they need to be all inclusive IMO.

Whilst there is no doubt that innocent civilians are being killed, not just by Russia. Sad but true.

Is it possible that you could tell me, in the middle of a bloody conflict how one determines the difference between an innocent civilian and a terrorist in civilian clothing ?

You don't - you are forced to "stop and search" everyone - and that includes grannies and kids, for weapons and bombs. But that requires massive "boots on the ground" - which all the politicos are desperately avoiding.

Seeing as ISIS is not included - it's a farce to call it a cease-fire. Exactly *WHO* will stop shooting???

Edited February 12, 2016 by jpinx

[SgtRock]

jpinx, on 12 Feb 2016 - 09:35, said:

SgtRock, on 12 Feb 2016 - 09:09, said:

craigt3365, on 12 Feb 2016 - 09:00, said:craigt3365, on 12 Feb 2016 - 09:00, said:

I think this has more to do with the fact these 2 groups are not part of the negotiations. Right? If Russia would focus on ONLY these groups, and not innocent civilians, we might make some fantastic headway. And reduce the humanitarian disaster there.

We can agree to disagree. If there are going to be peace talks they need to be all inclusive IMO.

Whilst there is no doubt that innocent civilians are being killed, not just by Russia. Sad but true.

Is it possible that you could tell me, in the middle of a bloody conflict how one determines the difference between an innocent civilian and a terrorist in civilian clothing ?

You don't - you are forced to "stop and search" everyone - and that includes grannies and kids, for weapons and bombs. But that requires massive "boots on the ground" - which all the politicos are desperately avoiding.

Seeing as ISIS is not included - it's a farce to call it a cease-fire. Exactly *WHO* will stop shooting???

My point exactly

[colinneil]

As usual diplomats are living in la-la land.

For the sake of all the displaced people i hope it works, but i am sure it wont Putin will not allow it to happen.

Look at all the live fire training his pilots are getting.

[craigt3365]

I'm sure that is ceasefire flies in the face of the Russians who up to now, where engaged in ethnic cleansing

with indiscriminate bombing of combatants and civilians alike....not out of love for Assad or the Iranians,

but to reinforce their holds on more of Syria and their presences in there.....

The ceasefire proposal was submitted - including specific measures - by the Russians.

The Russians were waiting for Kerry to accept it...

The cease fire proposal had a date of March 1st. The US and Europe wanted it sooner. Because it gave Russia the opportunity to do what they've done. Create a monster humanitarian disaster.

[craigt3365]

craigt3365, on 12 Feb 2016 - 09:00, said:

SgtRock, on 12 Feb 2016 - 08:51, said:

Quote

Kerry said early Friday that the target is to implement the cease-fire in a week's time. He said that would not apply to the Islamic State group and the extremist al-Nusra Front.

It will not apply to arguably the 2 biggest terrorist groups in Syria.

This is going to work well.

I think this has more to do with the fact these 2 groups are not part of the negotiations. Right? If Russia would focus on ONLY these groups, and not innocent civilians, we might make some fantastic headway. And reduce the humanitarian disaster there.

We can agree to disagree. If there are going to be peace talks they need to be all inclusive IMO.

Whilst there is no doubt that innocent civilians are being killed, not just by Russia. Sad but true.

Is it possible that you could tell me, in the middle of a bloody conflict how one determines the difference between an innocent civilian and a terrorist in civilian clothing ?

One easy determination is their age. Many children have been killed and are now displaced. Perhaps others indicators might be sex (few women are carrying weapons on the battlefield. And perhaps age. Doubt you'll see many 60+ terrorists out there.

The coalition isn't doing the damage to these people. It's Syria with the help of Russia. The West has done a pretty good job of avoiding collateral damage. Though many weren't happy with the progress they were making using this approach.

[SgtRock]

craigt3365, on 12 Feb 2016 - 11:42, said:

SgtRock, on 12 Feb 2016 - 09:09, said:

We can agree to disagree. If there are going to be peace talks they need to be all inclusive IMO.

Whilst there is no doubt that innocent civilians are being killed, not just by Russia. Sad but true.

Is it possible that you could tell me, in the middle of a bloody conflict how one determines the difference between an innocent civilian and a terrorist in civilian clothing ?

One easy determination is their age. Many children have been killed and are now displaced. Perhaps others indicators might be sex (few women are carrying weapons on the battlefield. And perhaps age. Doubt you'll see many 60+ terrorists out there.

The coalition isn't doing the damage to these people. It's Syria with the help of Russia. The West has done a pretty good job of avoiding collateral damage. Though many weren't happy with the progress they were making using this approach.

Seriously Craig ?

Age and sex are factors in who are terrorists ? I think you might need to start getting a grip on reality. I could post video's of child soldiers who are currently with ISIS, but they would be deleted for being too graphic. The numbers of women being used as suicide bombers are on the increase.

Get over your tunnel vision, things might become a bit clearly for you.

[Usernames]

"Diplomacy is the art of saying 'Nice doggie' until you can find a rock." -- Will Rogers

[retarius]

They always avoid the central issues. Who are the terrorists and who are the opposition? Al Nusra is included in those that can be bombed but Al Nusra (al qaeda in Syria) and al-Nusra affliates are a significant part of the 'opposition" in and around Aleppo. Russia will continue to bomb these as part of its anti terrorist campaign.

It is difficult to see without coming to an agreement as to who terrorists are vs legitimate non terrorist opposition (which I think is a figment of Kerry/Cameron's imagination) how an effective ceasefire can be implemented. As for opening land access to humanitarian aid, that's probably a non starter if Turkey sends in military supplies as part of its humanitarian aid.

And I don;t know why Assad would even agree to this? He has momentum, why give the terrorists a breather. He needs to strike for the Syrian border and close it, stop arms supplies to the terrorists and then have his ceasefire. Allowing al Nusra to be resupplied with men and weapons at this stage would be lunacy and will protract the war.

I hope it is a Russian trick to continue the bombing. Although with ISIS at the other side of Aleppo, it may give the opportunity for Russia and Kurds from beyond the Euphrates to squeeze ISIS away from the Turkish border…and bring about Ergogan's nightmare scenario. They may be tempting Turkey to mount an invasion which would be very interesting indeed.

[Grouse]

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=oo6M1ZQcsh0

Maybe we should just sell the Russians some proper kit?

(Unless it really is their aim to murder civilians wholesale)

[Galactus]

so what will happen? Assad will be out? dont think so.

and if Assad is not down, fighting will continue there eventually. So do ISIS as Assad and Russia support ISIS as they want this war to continue. If ISIS is gone so do Assad and Russia.

and what if Assad is gone and people of Syria does not want Russian bases there? Russia will find a reason and start to bomb around and civilians to keep their bases there and finally they will try to annex those lands and bases like they did in Crimea and Ukraine.

to finish that bloodshed there:

1- Assad needs to be gone.

2- Putin Russia needs to stop being a lapdog of Assad and get the f....k out of there.

3- ISIS and El Nusra needs to be destroyed.

[Morch]

We can agree to disagree. If there are going to be peace talks they need to be all inclusive IMO.

Whilst there is no doubt that innocent civilians are being killed, not just by Russia. Sad but true.

Is it possible that you could tell me, in the middle of a bloody conflict how one determines the difference between an innocent civilian and a terrorist in civilian clothing ?

One easy determination is their age. Many children have been killed and are now displaced. Perhaps others indicators might be sex (few women are carrying weapons on the battlefield. And perhaps age. Doubt you'll see many 60+ terrorists out there.

The coalition isn't doing the damage to these people. It's Syria with the help of Russia. The West has done a pretty good job of avoiding collateral damage. Though many weren't happy with the progress they were making using this approach.

As an aside, I seriously doubt that the Coalition did a pretty good job of avoiding collateral damage. Not as bad as the Russians (or Assad, or any of the actively involved parties), but honestly - what detailed semi-objective information is available?

Civilian casualty figures in war zones are usually hard to verify while the fighting goes on, and obviously, a lot of spins from various interested parties. A lot of this is about controlling the media coverage.

[Morch]

They always avoid the central issues. Who are the terrorists and who are the opposition? Al Nusra is included in those that can be bombed but Al Nusra (al qaeda in Syria) and al-Nusra affliates are a significant part of the 'opposition" in and around Aleppo. Russia will continue to bomb these as part of its anti terrorist campaign.

It is difficult to see without coming to an agreement as to who terrorists are vs legitimate non terrorist opposition (which I think is a figment of Kerry/Cameron's imagination) how an effective ceasefire can be implemented. As for opening land access to humanitarian aid, that's probably a non starter if Turkey sends in military supplies as part of its humanitarian aid.

And I don;t know why Assad would even agree to this? He has momentum, why give the terrorists a breather. He needs to strike for the Syrian border and close it, stop arms supplies to the terrorists and then have his ceasefire. Allowing al Nusra to be resupplied with men and weapons at this stage would be lunacy and will protract the war.

I hope it is a Russian trick to continue the bombing. Although with ISIS at the other side of Aleppo, it may give the opportunity for Russia and Kurds from beyond the Euphrates to squeeze ISIS away from the Turkish border…and bring about Ergogan's nightmare scenario. They may be tempting Turkey to mount an invasion which would be very interesting indeed.

Assad would agree to whatever Putin and Lavrov decide. He may need to be cajoled or even threatened, but ultimately, he is not the one calling the shots.

Hoping for further indiscriminate Russian airstrikes, with all the available documented human suffering they entail....someone needs his compassion pill.

[craigt3365]

Seriously Craig ?

Age and sex are factors in who are terrorists ? I think you might need to start getting a grip on reality. I could post video's of child soldiers who are currently with ISIS, but they would be deleted for being too graphic. The numbers of women being used as suicide bombers are on the increase.

Get over your tunnel vision, things might become a bit clearly for you.

OK. Please show me a report that says a majority of terrorists are kids and over 60. Would love to see it....instances do occur. But it's a minority.

Be nice...

[craigt3365]

We can agree to disagree. If there are going to be peace talks they need to be all inclusive IMO.

Whilst there is no doubt that innocent civilians are being killed, not just by Russia. Sad but true.

Is it possible that you could tell me, in the middle of a bloody conflict how one determines the difference between an innocent civilian and a terrorist in civilian clothing ?

One easy determination is their age. Many children have been killed and are now displaced. Perhaps others indicators might be sex (few women are carrying weapons on the battlefield. And perhaps age. Doubt you'll see many 60+ terrorists out there.

The coalition isn't doing the damage to these people. It's Syria with the help of Russia. The West has done a pretty good job of avoiding collateral damage. Though many weren't happy with the progress they were making using this approach.

As an aside, I seriously doubt that the Coalition did a pretty good job of avoiding collateral damage. Not as bad as the Russians (or Assad, or any of the actively involved parties), but honestly - what detailed semi-objective information is available?

Civilian casualty figures in war zones are usually hard to verify while the fighting goes on, and obviously, a lot of spins from various interested parties. A lot of this is about controlling the media coverage.

I guess it's all relative. Yes, the coalition did have collateral damage. It's going to happen in any "war" like this. Sadly. But I think they did a better job, probably by an order of magnitude, compared to now. Right?

Right on. Getting 100% objective information is very difficult.

[snoop1130]

Positive reactions to Syria ceasefire deal, but challenges lie ahead
Euronews

MUNICH, GERMANY -- Delegates in Munich have welcomed the agreement to cease hostilities in Syria.

But challenges still lie ahead, as European Union Foreign Policy Chief Federica Mogherini acknowledged:

“Now the real test will be on the implementation of what we have agreed tonight. But I think it is positive that we have achieved this common result, all united and all committed.”

Germany’s Foreign Minister, Frank-Walter Steinmeier said:

“We not only agreed in general about improving the humanitarian situation, but also agreed that the first humanitarian aid transports should take place at the weekend.”

A spokesperson for the Syrian opposition hailed the plan to reach a ceasefire and facilitate humanitarian aid. Salim al-Muslat said relieving the Syrian people must apply to all Syrians, and urged:
“We must see action on the ground. Once we see implementation, we will be ready for the political process.”

Peace talks on Syria were scheduled in Geneva earlier in February. But they stopped before they’d even started after Syrian government troops, backed by Russian air strikes, began an offensive in Aleppo Province.

Source: http://www.euronews.com/2016/02/12/positive-reactions-to-syria-ceasefire-deal-but-challenges-lie-ahead/

-- (c) Copyright Euronews 2016-02-12

[ggt]

In order to prop up the demented Assad regime...Russia has come the Syrian leader's aid...to secure their own interest in Syria...and have not messed around like the US...they have committed Military resources and kicked butt and taken names...

The so-called Syrian rebels (back by the US) are having their butts handed to them by the Russians and Syrian Army...

So the US wants an immediate cease fire before all is totally lost for their Syrian guys...but Russia says...when we are ready to negotiate...we will let you know...

Got to love the drama if you keep up with the ebb and flow of world events...

So sad for the innocent civilians in that country...their own leader has killed, maimed, and destroyed much of the country...

[arjunadawn]

I strongly believe the entire "peace" pretense is to get parties into agreeing that "peace" can only come about in interim "good faith" stages; its pretense because it is in essence a military feign by diplomacy. Among the early stages would be the "temporary" assignment of land according to sectarian needs. Of course this is the goal all along but racing toward that goal has been slowed because of the other value added results DAESH achieves; DAESH is now compromised by Russia so Hail Mary. Recently Russia projected to FOBs seemingly not contiguous with where their strength lies in Syria. I suspect Russia knows exactly what is coming and this move is designed to either thwart the carving of Syria or to extract concessions when negotiated. (Now 4 FOBs). Russia is preparing to deny air space to other actors and/or compromise efforts to carve Syria.

The aim has always been to remove Assad and replace him with a western puppet or carve the land up in such a way as to neuter Iranian hegemony and regional power. Russia could be persuaded as an "interim" to allow the carving as long as Assad remains and Tartus remains intact; perhaps. Its so obvious that the "peace talks" are a Hail Mary pass because the existing tools of the US are no longer working. However, the blowback from this US proxy army will continue for years.

[craigt3365]

In order to prop up the demented Assad regime...Russia has come the Syrian leader's aid...to secure their own interest in Syria...and have not messed around like the US...they have committed Military resources and kicked butt and taken names...

The so-called Syrian rebels (back by the US) are having their butts handed to them by the Russians and Syrian Army...

So the US wants an immediate cease fire before all is totally lost for their Syrian guys...but Russia says...when we are ready to negotiate...we will let you know...

Got to love the drama if you keep up with the ebb and flow of world events...

So sad for the innocent civilians in that country...their own leader has killed, maimed, and destroyed much of the country...

There are many different "rebel" groups fighting in Syria. Some are backed by Iran, some by Saudia Arabia, some by Russia, some by Turkey, and initially, some by the US. Actually, some were even supported by the Syrians! LOL Very complicated.

And in the end, it's the innocent civilians that are paying the price with all these proxies in there stirring things up.

[SgtRock]

craigt3365, on 12 Feb 2016 - 17:31, said:

SgtRock, on 12 Feb 2016 - 11:57, said:

Seriously Craig ?

Age and sex are factors in who are terrorists ? I think you might need to start getting a grip on reality. I could post video's of child soldiers who are currently with ISIS, but they would be deleted for being too graphic. The numbers of women being used as suicide bombers are on the increase.

Get over your tunnel vision, things might become a bit clearly for you.

OK. Please show me a report that says a majority of terrorists are kids and over 60. Would love to see it....instances do occur. But it's a minority.

Be nice...

There are no reports to show you that I am aware of.

The reports that all those killed are innocent civilians, are just that, reports, with nothing verified. Yes, innocent are dying, but to deny that there is dead terrorists among them is ludicrous.