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Syria: cessation of hostilities 'within a week' agreed at Munich talks – as it happened | |
(35 minutes later) | |
1.15pm GMT | |
13:15 | |
That’s it for now. Thanks for reading. They’ll be much more on the Syria section of the Guardian’s site. | |
1.06pm GMT | |
13:06 | |
“The biggest winner in this dangerous game is extremism,” says Lina Khatib a senior research associate with the Arab Reform Initiative. Writing on Guardian Opinion she says: | |
Caught between the regime and its allies on one side and Isis on the other, and without adequate means to resist the Russian air campaign, many fighters are effectively being pushed to form an alliance of convenience with Isis and other such extremist groups. | |
If this happens the strategy of the Syrian regime and Russia will have prevailed, as Syria will be left with two main groups: the regime and extremists. Russia and the regime can then appeal to the international community on the basis of fighting terrorism. | |
But by then, no degree of foreign support will be enough to eradicate extremists in Syria. As the Iraqi experience has shown, it is only through working with the local Sunni population that extremist jihadist groups such as Isis can be weakened. Ramadi could only be taken back from Isis after Iraq’s Sunni population got involved in fighting it alongside the army. If most of Syria’s Sunni community carries grievances against the ruling regime, Isis will continue to exist. | |
12.18pm GMT | 12.18pm GMT |
12:18 | 12:18 |
Martin Chulov | Martin Chulov |
The few opposition groups that remain inside Aleppo say there will be little left to fight for by the time the cessation of hostilities deal is due to come into force, writes Martin Chulov. | The few opposition groups that remain inside Aleppo say there will be little left to fight for by the time the cessation of hostilities deal is due to come into force, writes Martin Chulov. |
In any event, there is little faith within an exhausted opposition that world powers can orchestrate a political outcome while military muscle is prevailing. | In any event, there is little faith within an exhausted opposition that world powers can orchestrate a political outcome while military muscle is prevailing. |
“The regime is advancing quite quickly,” said Bahar al-Halabi, a Free Syria army member inside Aleppo. “It is an obvious collaboration between the regime, the Kurds and the Russians. Now we have to fight three giants at the same time. We have very little left. Nothing can change things now. I can’t lie and say that the position of the FSA is strong. | “The regime is advancing quite quickly,” said Bahar al-Halabi, a Free Syria army member inside Aleppo. “It is an obvious collaboration between the regime, the Kurds and the Russians. Now we have to fight three giants at the same time. We have very little left. Nothing can change things now. I can’t lie and say that the position of the FSA is strong. |
“The regime is not interested in a political solution unless they get everything they want on the ground. They might agree to a ceasefire, but they will use it to surround us.” | “The regime is not interested in a political solution unless they get everything they want on the ground. They might agree to a ceasefire, but they will use it to surround us.” |
All those who fled Aleppo and made it to Turkey spoke of a sense of defeat and abandonment. “We have been warning of this day for two years,” said Ahmed Othman, another new arrival in the camp, one hour south of the Turkish city of Sanliurfa. “No one listened. And that’s because no one cared.” | All those who fled Aleppo and made it to Turkey spoke of a sense of defeat and abandonment. “We have been warning of this day for two years,” said Ahmed Othman, another new arrival in the camp, one hour south of the Turkish city of Sanliurfa. “No one listened. And that’s because no one cared.” |
Khaled and her family started their journey last Monday, first leaving the old city of Aleppo, then driving past the citadel, which had withstood 3,000 years of war and insurrection but now teeters under the strain of this withering war. | Khaled and her family started their journey last Monday, first leaving the old city of Aleppo, then driving past the citadel, which had withstood 3,000 years of war and insurrection but now teeters under the strain of this withering war. |
Related: 'No one believes it': Aleppo losing hope amid doubts over ceasefire | Related: 'No one believes it': Aleppo losing hope amid doubts over ceasefire |
12.13pm GMT | 12.13pm GMT |
12:13 | 12:13 |
Here’s a summary of what we know so far: | Here’s a summary of what we know so far: |
12.06pm GMT | 12.06pm GMT |
12:06 | 12:06 |
Nato accuses Russia of undermining peaceful solution | Nato accuses Russia of undermining peaceful solution |
Jens Stoltenberg, Nato secretary general, urged Russia to target its airstrikes away from Syrian opposition groups and towards the Islamic State militants. | Jens Stoltenberg, Nato secretary general, urged Russia to target its airstrikes away from Syrian opposition groups and towards the Islamic State militants. |
Talking to reporters in Munich he said: “We will welcome a more constructive role by Russian in the fight against Isil. So far Russian has mainly targeted opposition groups, not Isil. The intense airstrikes of Russian planes against different opposition groups in Syria has actually undermined the efforts to reach a peaceful solution.” | Talking to reporters in Munich he said: “We will welcome a more constructive role by Russian in the fight against Isil. So far Russian has mainly targeted opposition groups, not Isil. The intense airstrikes of Russian planes against different opposition groups in Syria has actually undermined the efforts to reach a peaceful solution.” |
Stoltenberg welcomed the agreement but added the “important thing now is implementation”. He pointed out that the fight against Islamic State militants would continue: “We have to stay focused on the fight against Isil, our common enemy.” | Stoltenberg welcomed the agreement but added the “important thing now is implementation”. He pointed out that the fight against Islamic State militants would continue: “We have to stay focused on the fight against Isil, our common enemy.” |
11.42am GMT | 11.42am GMT |
11:42 | 11:42 |
US Defence Secretary Ash Carter says the United Arab Emirates has agreed to send special forces soldiers to Syria to help local rebel forces recapture Raqqa from the the Islamic State group’s capital, AP reports. | US Defence Secretary Ash Carter says the United Arab Emirates has agreed to send special forces soldiers to Syria to help local rebel forces recapture Raqqa from the the Islamic State group’s capital, AP reports. |
Speaking in Brussels after meeting his counterpart from the UAE, Carter declined to say how many Emirati special forces would go to Syria. He said they would be part of an effort led by the United States and bolstered by Saudi special forces to train and enable local Arab fighters who are motivated to recapture Raqqa. Carter also told reporters that however the proposed suspension of Syrian civil war hostilities is implemented, as announced in Munich, the US will continue combating IS in Syria. | Speaking in Brussels after meeting his counterpart from the UAE, Carter declined to say how many Emirati special forces would go to Syria. He said they would be part of an effort led by the United States and bolstered by Saudi special forces to train and enable local Arab fighters who are motivated to recapture Raqqa. Carter also told reporters that however the proposed suspension of Syrian civil war hostilities is implemented, as announced in Munich, the US will continue combating IS in Syria. |
“There is no cease-fire in the war against ISIL,” Carter said. “Let’s be clear about that.” | “There is no cease-fire in the war against ISIL,” Carter said. “Let’s be clear about that.” |
10.49am GMT | 10.49am GMT |
10:49 | 10:49 |
Jan Egeland, the head of the Norwegian Refugee Council who will chair a UN meeting in Geneva on humanitarian access to Syria later today, said the agreement could be a breakthrough if pressure is put on the warring sides. | Jan Egeland, the head of the Norwegian Refugee Council who will chair a UN meeting in Geneva on humanitarian access to Syria later today, said the agreement could be a breakthrough if pressure is put on the warring sides. |
In a statement, the former UN official and Norwegian foreign minister, said: | In a statement, the former UN official and Norwegian foreign minister, said: |
“We have high hopes that the parties in the International Syria Support Group, including Russia and the United States, will do everything they can to push for humanitarian access to civilians in need inside Syria. We need sustained and full access. | “We have high hopes that the parties in the International Syria Support Group, including Russia and the United States, will do everything they can to push for humanitarian access to civilians in need inside Syria. We need sustained and full access. |
“This could be the breakthrough we have been waiting for to get full access to desperate civilians inside Syria. But it requires that all those with influence on all sides of the conflict are putting pressure the parties.” | “This could be the breakthrough we have been waiting for to get full access to desperate civilians inside Syria. But it requires that all those with influence on all sides of the conflict are putting pressure the parties.” |
10.45am GMT | 10.45am GMT |
10:45 | 10:45 |
David Miliband, head of the US based International Rescue Committee, called for more urgency in securing humanitarian access to the besieged areas. | David Miliband, head of the US based International Rescue Committee, called for more urgency in securing humanitarian access to the besieged areas. |
Britain’s former foreign secretary, who backs the the imposition of safe zones in Syria, said: | Britain’s former foreign secretary, who backs the the imposition of safe zones in Syria, said: |
“You don’t wait a week for an emergency operation and the people of Syria should not have to wait a week for relief from bombings. The agreement needs detail and urgency to offer hope to the people suffering sieges inside Syria. Syria has been a war without law as well as a war without end. We wait with eager anticipation to see whether this agreement is a turning point or a false dawn.” | “You don’t wait a week for an emergency operation and the people of Syria should not have to wait a week for relief from bombings. The agreement needs detail and urgency to offer hope to the people suffering sieges inside Syria. Syria has been a war without law as well as a war without end. We wait with eager anticipation to see whether this agreement is a turning point or a false dawn.” |
10.30am GMT | 10.30am GMT |
10:30 | 10:30 |
Kareem Shaheen | Kareem Shaheen |
One of the “moderate” rebel groups backed by the West is sceptical about the deal. | One of the “moderate” rebel groups backed by the West is sceptical about the deal. |
The Southern Front, an alliance of opposition fighters operating in southern Syria who have come under intense bombardment by the Russians in recent weeks and months, said: | The Southern Front, an alliance of opposition fighters operating in southern Syria who have come under intense bombardment by the Russians in recent weeks and months, said: |
“We greet this announcement with tentative optimism. Anything which ensures the full implementations of the UN Security Council Resolution 2254 is welcome. However we are sceptical that Russia will hold to these commitments when its current policy it to indiscriminately bomb all parties in Syria into the dust, in particular civilians and moderate opposition, and with complete impunity, while saying they are bombing terrorists. We are waiting for real action, we have now lost faith in words without real action.” | “We greet this announcement with tentative optimism. Anything which ensures the full implementations of the UN Security Council Resolution 2254 is welcome. However we are sceptical that Russia will hold to these commitments when its current policy it to indiscriminately bomb all parties in Syria into the dust, in particular civilians and moderate opposition, and with complete impunity, while saying they are bombing terrorists. We are waiting for real action, we have now lost faith in words without real action.” |
Updated | Updated |
at 10.31am GMT | at 10.31am GMT |
10.23am GMT | 10.23am GMT |
10:23 | 10:23 |
James Sadri, director of the Syria Campaign, a network aimed at protecting civilians, said excluding Russian airstrikes from the agreement is “absurd”. | James Sadri, director of the Syria Campaign, a network aimed at protecting civilians, said excluding Russian airstrikes from the agreement is “absurd”. |
He said: “This year Russia has become the number one killer of civilians in Syria, killing more than the Assad regime, al-Qaida and Isis combined. If this proposed ceasefire doesn’t stop Russian warplanes from bombing hospitals and schools, then the US and others shouldn’t pretend it’s a ceasefire.” | He said: “This year Russia has become the number one killer of civilians in Syria, killing more than the Assad regime, al-Qaida and Isis combined. If this proposed ceasefire doesn’t stop Russian warplanes from bombing hospitals and schools, then the US and others shouldn’t pretend it’s a ceasefire.” |
On humanitarian access he said: “Using starvation as a weapon is a war crime. If this agreement means the end of sieges in Syria it will be welcome. But don’t expect celebration on the ground, because the lives of too many Syrian civilians have been ignored and too many people have been starved to death.” | On humanitarian access he said: “Using starvation as a weapon is a war crime. If this agreement means the end of sieges in Syria it will be welcome. But don’t expect celebration on the ground, because the lives of too many Syrian civilians have been ignored and too many people have been starved to death.” |
10.11am GMT | 10.11am GMT |
10:11 | 10:11 |
The US State Department has released the full text of Kerry and Lavrov’s press conference on the deal. | The US State Department has released the full text of Kerry and Lavrov’s press conference on the deal. |
Here’s Kerry on the distinction between a ceasefire and “cessation of hostilities”. | Here’s Kerry on the distinction between a ceasefire and “cessation of hostilities”. |
So a ceasefire has a great many legal prerogatives and requirements. A cessation of hostilities does not – is not anticipated to, but in many ways, they have a similar effect. A ceasefire in the minds of many of the participants in this particular moment connotes something far more permanent and far more reflective of sort of an end of conflict, if you will. And it is distinctly not that. This is a pause that is dependent on the process going forward, and therefore cessation of hostilities is a much more appropriate, apt term. But the effect of ending hostile actions, the effect of ending offensive actions and permitting only defensive actions that are a matter of self-defense is the same in that regard. | So a ceasefire has a great many legal prerogatives and requirements. A cessation of hostilities does not – is not anticipated to, but in many ways, they have a similar effect. A ceasefire in the minds of many of the participants in this particular moment connotes something far more permanent and far more reflective of sort of an end of conflict, if you will. And it is distinctly not that. This is a pause that is dependent on the process going forward, and therefore cessation of hostilities is a much more appropriate, apt term. But the effect of ending hostile actions, the effect of ending offensive actions and permitting only defensive actions that are a matter of self-defense is the same in that regard. |
Asked about Russian airstrikes he said: | Asked about Russian airstrikes he said: |
It is true that the bombing of the last weeks and the aggressive actions of the Assad regime, together with the forces from other places and countries that have helped them has made a difference for Assad. There is no question about that. But that difference doesn’t end the war. That difference does not mean that Assad is secure or safe for the long term. It does not mean that Syria is free from the scourge of terrorist activity by Daesh and others, al-Nusrah and others. And it does not mean that the war is able to end at any time in the foreseeable future. So while, yes, there are some advantages, they are not advantages that turn this on its ear. This is still a very complicated conflict with long-term implications, with increasing levels of violence, with increasing numbers of refugees, with increasing numbers of terrorists. And it is our belief that the more successful Assad is in securing territory against the opposition, the more successful he is in creating more terrorists who threaten the region. | It is true that the bombing of the last weeks and the aggressive actions of the Assad regime, together with the forces from other places and countries that have helped them has made a difference for Assad. There is no question about that. But that difference doesn’t end the war. That difference does not mean that Assad is secure or safe for the long term. It does not mean that Syria is free from the scourge of terrorist activity by Daesh and others, al-Nusrah and others. And it does not mean that the war is able to end at any time in the foreseeable future. So while, yes, there are some advantages, they are not advantages that turn this on its ear. This is still a very complicated conflict with long-term implications, with increasing levels of violence, with increasing numbers of refugees, with increasing numbers of terrorists. And it is our belief that the more successful Assad is in securing territory against the opposition, the more successful he is in creating more terrorists who threaten the region. |
So we have a fundamental task ahead of us, which hopefully this process can shed some light on as to how we are going to be able to resolve the conflict of one war, which is the war against Assad, and also resolve the other war, which is the war against the terrorists, and particularly Daesh. No small undertaking, but very much front and center in all of our thinking, and in the political process that we are trying to create to find a peaceful resolution. | So we have a fundamental task ahead of us, which hopefully this process can shed some light on as to how we are going to be able to resolve the conflict of one war, which is the war against Assad, and also resolve the other war, which is the war against the terrorists, and particularly Daesh. No small undertaking, but very much front and center in all of our thinking, and in the political process that we are trying to create to find a peaceful resolution. |
Lavrov denied that Russia had targeted civilians in airstrikes around Aleppo. He accused humanitarian agencies who had made such claims of lying and pointed out that the UN had not made such claims despite reports in the British media. | Lavrov denied that Russia had targeted civilians in airstrikes around Aleppo. He accused humanitarian agencies who had made such claims of lying and pointed out that the UN had not made such claims despite reports in the British media. |
9.49am GMT | 9.49am GMT |
09:49 | 09:49 |
The Guardian’s Middle East editor Ian Black and Kareem Shaheen wrap up the key elements of the deal in our latest story. Here’s how it begins: | The Guardian’s Middle East editor Ian Black and Kareem Shaheen wrap up the key elements of the deal in our latest story. Here’s how it begins: |
A cessation of hostilities is to come into force in Syria within a week and humanitarian aid is to be delivered to besieged areas across the country in the next few days, the US, Russia and other powers said late on Thursday night at talks in Munich. There was no clear commitment to end Russian airstrikes, however. | A cessation of hostilities is to come into force in Syria within a week and humanitarian aid is to be delivered to besieged areas across the country in the next few days, the US, Russia and other powers said late on Thursday night at talks in Munich. There was no clear commitment to end Russian airstrikes, however. |
Galvanised by mounting international concern over the war, John Kerry, the US secretary of state, said progress had been made towards implementing a nationwide “cessation of hostilities”, although it was not clear how this could happen unless Russia stops bombing civilians and mainstream rebels who are fighting the Syrian president, Bashar al-Assad. Action against Islamic State would continue. | Galvanised by mounting international concern over the war, John Kerry, the US secretary of state, said progress had been made towards implementing a nationwide “cessation of hostilities”, although it was not clear how this could happen unless Russia stops bombing civilians and mainstream rebels who are fighting the Syrian president, Bashar al-Assad. Action against Islamic State would continue. |
Western diplomats confirmed that there had been no agreement by Moscow to immediately end airstrikes – a key demand of the Syrian opposition, who are likely to be highly sceptical about the results of the talks. | Western diplomats confirmed that there had been no agreement by Moscow to immediately end airstrikes – a key demand of the Syrian opposition, who are likely to be highly sceptical about the results of the talks. |
Kerry said a UN taskforce would “work to develop the modalities for a long term and durable cessation of violence”. | Kerry said a UN taskforce would “work to develop the modalities for a long term and durable cessation of violence”. |
Speaking after lengthy talks that included Russia and more than a dozen other countries, Kerry said that all involved agreed that Syrian peace negotiations should resume in Geneva as soon as possible. | Speaking after lengthy talks that included Russia and more than a dozen other countries, Kerry said that all involved agreed that Syrian peace negotiations should resume in Geneva as soon as possible. |
Related: Partial Syria ceasefire agreed at talks in Munich | Related: Partial Syria ceasefire agreed at talks in Munich |
9.42am GMT | 9.42am GMT |
09:42 | 09:42 |
Kareem Shaheen | Kareem Shaheen |
An activist close to the Ahrar al-Sham rebel group said the agreement amounted to giving Russia time and international cover to continue bombing the opposition fighting the Assad regime, writes Kareem Shaheen. | An activist close to the Ahrar al-Sham rebel group said the agreement amounted to giving Russia time and international cover to continue bombing the opposition fighting the Assad regime, writes Kareem Shaheen. |
He warned that Ahrar al-Sham could reject the deal it allows Russia to continue bombing the al-Nusra Front, which operates throughout much of rebel-held territory in the country. | He warned that Ahrar al-Sham could reject the deal it allows Russia to continue bombing the al-Nusra Front, which operates throughout much of rebel-held territory in the country. |
“I don’t expect Ahrar to accept it, because the agreement is completely illogical,” he said. “It is a waste of time because as long as Nusra is excluded from the agreement it means fighting will not stop in any area.” | “I don’t expect Ahrar to accept it, because the agreement is completely illogical,” he said. “It is a waste of time because as long as Nusra is excluded from the agreement it means fighting will not stop in any area.” |
The Islamist Ahrar al Sham is one of the most powerful rebel groups in Syria and a major component of the Jaysh al-Fateh coalition, which includes Nusra, and which conquered large swathes of territory from the Assad regime in Idlib last year. | The Islamist Ahrar al Sham is one of the most powerful rebel groups in Syria and a major component of the Jaysh al-Fateh coalition, which includes Nusra, and which conquered large swathes of territory from the Assad regime in Idlib last year. |
It has recently sought to burnish its image in the West, declaring in op-eds in the Telegraph and Washington Post that it was committed to a multi-sectarian and democratic Syria. Both Ahrar and Nusra have a strong presence in Idlib and Aleppo in particular. | It has recently sought to burnish its image in the West, declaring in op-eds in the Telegraph and Washington Post that it was committed to a multi-sectarian and democratic Syria. Both Ahrar and Nusra have a strong presence in Idlib and Aleppo in particular. |
“Not only in Aleppo but in most liberated areas there is Nusra, and consequently this agreement cannot be implemented,” the activist said. | “Not only in Aleppo but in most liberated areas there is Nusra, and consequently this agreement cannot be implemented,” the activist said. |
He added that the agreement amounted to giving Russia permission to continue attacking the opposition, particularly in Idlib, which is entirely outside regime control. | He added that the agreement amounted to giving Russia permission to continue attacking the opposition, particularly in Idlib, which is entirely outside regime control. |
“In truth, there is no longer any confidence in the international community from the Syrian people, and everyone has become convinced that fighting terrorism is simply an excuse to destroy the revolution and the Syrian people,” the activist said. | “In truth, there is no longer any confidence in the international community from the Syrian people, and everyone has become convinced that fighting terrorism is simply an excuse to destroy the revolution and the Syrian people,” the activist said. |
Updated | Updated |
at 9.45am GMT | at 9.45am GMT |
9.34am GMT | 9.34am GMT |
09:34 | 09:34 |
Turkey calls for end to Russian airstrikes | Turkey calls for end to Russian airstrikes |
Turkey’s foreign minister has called for an end to Russian airstrikes, which is not part of the agreement. In a tweet Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu said: “What is important now is embracing this opportunity, stopping the airstrikes, ceasing targeting civilians and providing humanitarian access.” | Turkey’s foreign minister has called for an end to Russian airstrikes, which is not part of the agreement. In a tweet Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu said: “What is important now is embracing this opportunity, stopping the airstrikes, ceasing targeting civilians and providing humanitarian access.” |
This statement underlined the issues impairing the Geneva process& presented an opp. to unblock stalemate before the political process. | This statement underlined the issues impairing the Geneva process& presented an opp. to unblock stalemate before the political process. |
What is important now is embracing this opportunity, stopping the airstrikes, ceasing targeting civilians and providing humanitarian access. | What is important now is embracing this opportunity, stopping the airstrikes, ceasing targeting civilians and providing humanitarian access. |
Updated | Updated |
at 9.45am GMT | at 9.45am GMT |
9.27am GMT | 9.27am GMT |
09:27 | 09:27 |
Shadow Foreign Secretary Hilary Benn has given his cautious backing to the agreement. In a statement he said: | Shadow Foreign Secretary Hilary Benn has given his cautious backing to the agreement. In a statement he said: |
“Far too many lives have already been lost in Syria and a ceasefire is urgently needed to put an end to the bloodshed and bring in humanitarian aid. | “Far too many lives have already been lost in Syria and a ceasefire is urgently needed to put an end to the bloodshed and bring in humanitarian aid. |
“This announcement is a welcome step forward but the test will be whether it actually happens on the ground and includes an end to Russia’s bombing of the Syrian moderate opposition.” | “This announcement is a welcome step forward but the test will be whether it actually happens on the ground and includes an end to Russia’s bombing of the Syrian moderate opposition.” |
Sweden’s former prime minster Carl Bildt tweeted that the exclusion of Russian airstrikes from the deal was “strange”. | Sweden’s former prime minster Carl Bildt tweeted that the exclusion of Russian airstrikes from the deal was “strange”. |
Announced ceasefire in Syria said not to include Russian bombing. Sounds strange. Will others observe? https://t.co/dqWqnjuNEN | Announced ceasefire in Syria said not to include Russian bombing. Sounds strange. Will others observe? https://t.co/dqWqnjuNEN |
9.16am GMT | 9.16am GMT |
09:16 | 09:16 |
Why wait a week to cease hostilities? asks the US-based aid agency Mercy Corps. | Why wait a week to cease hostilities? asks the US-based aid agency Mercy Corps. |
In a statement on the deal, its chief executive Neal Keny-Guyer, said: | In a statement on the deal, its chief executive Neal Keny-Guyer, said: |
We are encouraged by the apparent breakthrough in negotiations on Syria and hopeful that it will pave the way to a permanent cease-fire and, eventually, a lasting peace. A cessation of hostilities by all parties to the conflict will allow for humanitarian access to the millions of innocent Syrian civilians trying to survive a seemingly endless war. | We are encouraged by the apparent breakthrough in negotiations on Syria and hopeful that it will pave the way to a permanent cease-fire and, eventually, a lasting peace. A cessation of hostilities by all parties to the conflict will allow for humanitarian access to the millions of innocent Syrian civilians trying to survive a seemingly endless war. |
We see tens of thousands of men, women and children desperately looking for a safe place, without finding one. | We see tens of thousands of men, women and children desperately looking for a safe place, without finding one. |
We must ask: Why wait one more week before the fighting stops? | We must ask: Why wait one more week before the fighting stops? |
What we have seen in Syria over these past years of war is shameful. It’s time to end the fighting. It’s time to end the bombing. It’s time to end the war. | What we have seen in Syria over these past years of war is shameful. It’s time to end the fighting. It’s time to end the bombing. It’s time to end the war. |
8.51am GMT | 8.51am GMT |
08:51 | 08:51 |
The UK’s former ambassador to Syria warned that the agreement appears to be an attempt by Syria’s ally Russia to divide the rebels fighting the Assad regime. | The UK’s former ambassador to Syria warned that the agreement appears to be an attempt by Syria’s ally Russia to divide the rebels fighting the Assad regime. |
Peter Ford, who served in Damascus from 2003 to 2006, gave a gloomy assessment of the deal in an interview on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme. | Peter Ford, who served in Damascus from 2003 to 2006, gave a gloomy assessment of the deal in an interview on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme. |
He started by likening it to Neville Chamberlain’s agreement with Hitler before the Second World War. Ford said: “Well Munich. Is it ‘peace in our time’? Definitely not. Is it divide and rule? Quite possibly.” | He started by likening it to Neville Chamberlain’s agreement with Hitler before the Second World War. Ford said: “Well Munich. Is it ‘peace in our time’? Definitely not. Is it divide and rule? Quite possibly.” |
Ford added: | Ford added: |
The key here is al-Nusra. This is an very important armed group, affiliated to al-Qaida and it is legitimate to continue bombing it. Al-Nusra, however, works closely with a number of the so-called moderate groups. This agreement is going to set the cat among the pigeons among all the rebels, especially those who work hand in glove with al-Nusra. They are going to get hit if they continue to work alongside al-Nusra in the designated areas. So Russia is being quite clever. Their game is to try to split the so-called moderates away from al-Nusra, so that the Syrian army, which suffers from depleted manpower, can tackle al-Nusra. | The key here is al-Nusra. This is an very important armed group, affiliated to al-Qaida and it is legitimate to continue bombing it. Al-Nusra, however, works closely with a number of the so-called moderate groups. This agreement is going to set the cat among the pigeons among all the rebels, especially those who work hand in glove with al-Nusra. They are going to get hit if they continue to work alongside al-Nusra in the designated areas. So Russia is being quite clever. Their game is to try to split the so-called moderates away from al-Nusra, so that the Syrian army, which suffers from depleted manpower, can tackle al-Nusra. |
We wait to see whether the opposition is ready to step up to the plate and deliver ceasefires in their areas. Clearly Russia can force Assad to comply. That is not a problem, the onus is now on the opposition to show that they can deliver ceasefires. | We wait to see whether the opposition is ready to step up to the plate and deliver ceasefires in their areas. Clearly Russia can force Assad to comply. That is not a problem, the onus is now on the opposition to show that they can deliver ceasefires. |
Asked if they could he said: “No, I don’t think they will. It’s back to the drawing board.” | Asked if they could he said: “No, I don’t think they will. It’s back to the drawing board.” |
Ford added: “What we are seeing is not a political transition towards some endgame in which Assad steps down, what we are seeing actually is a transition in which the American position is changing. You can sense this in the words not used by [US Secretary of State] Kerry. He has more or less stopped demanding that Assad step down.” | Ford added: “What we are seeing is not a political transition towards some endgame in which Assad steps down, what we are seeing actually is a transition in which the American position is changing. You can sense this in the words not used by [US Secretary of State] Kerry. He has more or less stopped demanding that Assad step down.” |
Ford also criticised the British government’s response to the agreement, claiming it was focussed on a domestic agenda. “The British are one step behind. But of course the British have a Trident-related agenda of their own to demonise Russia. I think [Foreign Secretary] Philip Hammond made a typically sour comment [he] could only say negative things about Russia. But this has to be be seen against the background of the British government’s need to ramp up fear and loathing of Russia, because they have renewal of Trident coming up.” | Ford also criticised the British government’s response to the agreement, claiming it was focussed on a domestic agenda. “The British are one step behind. But of course the British have a Trident-related agenda of their own to demonise Russia. I think [Foreign Secretary] Philip Hammond made a typically sour comment [he] could only say negative things about Russia. But this has to be be seen against the background of the British government’s need to ramp up fear and loathing of Russia, because they have renewal of Trident coming up.” |
Updated | Updated |
at 9.10am GMT | at 9.10am GMT |
8.06am GMT | 8.06am GMT |
08:06 | 08:06 |
Kareem Shaheen | Kareem Shaheen |
Zeid Ra’ad al Hussein, the UN’s High Commissioner for Human Rights, underlined the urgency of the need for humanitarian access to besieged areas - part of the agreement, writes Kareem Shaheen. | Zeid Ra’ad al Hussein, the UN’s High Commissioner for Human Rights, underlined the urgency of the need for humanitarian access to besieged areas - part of the agreement, writes Kareem Shaheen. |
He described the situation in Aleppo as “grotesque” amid the ongoing fighting that has sent tens of thousands of refugees to the Turkish border. | He described the situation in Aleppo as “grotesque” amid the ongoing fighting that has sent tens of thousands of refugees to the Turkish border. |
He said the government offensive and Russian airstrikes have displaced 51,000 civilians and put another 300,000 at risk of being placed under siege. | He said the government offensive and Russian airstrikes have displaced 51,000 civilians and put another 300,000 at risk of being placed under siege. |
“I condemn these horrendous acts unequivocally,” he said in a statement last night. | “I condemn these horrendous acts unequivocally,” he said in a statement last night. |
“The warring parties in Syria are constantly sinking to new depths, without apparently caring in the slightest about the death and destruction they are wreaking across the country. Women and children, the elderly, the wounded and sick, the people with disabilities are being used as bargaining chips and cannon fodder day after day, week after week, month after month. It is a grotesque situation.” | “The warring parties in Syria are constantly sinking to new depths, without apparently caring in the slightest about the death and destruction they are wreaking across the country. Women and children, the elderly, the wounded and sick, the people with disabilities are being used as bargaining chips and cannon fodder day after day, week after week, month after month. It is a grotesque situation.” |
Talks on the crucial details about humanitarian access are due to start in Geneva later today. | Talks on the crucial details about humanitarian access are due to start in Geneva later today. |
Updated | Updated |
at 8.11am GMT | at 8.11am GMT |
7.48am GMT | 7.48am GMT |
07:48 | 07:48 |
Kareem Shaheen | Kareem Shaheen |
Last night a top Saudi military official repeated the kingdom’s readiness to send special forces troops to fight Isis inside Syria, despite opposition by Russia, Iran and the Assad regime. | Last night a top Saudi military official repeated the kingdom’s readiness to send special forces troops to fight Isis inside Syria, despite opposition by Russia, Iran and the Assad regime. |
Staff Brig Gen Ahmed Asiri, Prince Mohammad bin Salman’s military adviser, said Saudi Arabia would “participate with ground forces once there is an agreement by the leadership of the [US-led] coalition.” | Staff Brig Gen Ahmed Asiri, Prince Mohammad bin Salman’s military adviser, said Saudi Arabia would “participate with ground forces once there is an agreement by the leadership of the [US-led] coalition.” |
“These will most likely be small numbers of special forces to push forward the work on the ground and achieve positive results for the coalition,” he said after a meeting of coalition representatives in Brussels. | “These will most likely be small numbers of special forces to push forward the work on the ground and achieve positive results for the coalition,” he said after a meeting of coalition representatives in Brussels. |
The pledge would likely be unaffected by an agreement for a nationwide ceasefire that does not include military operations against Isis. | The pledge would likely be unaffected by an agreement for a nationwide ceasefire that does not include military operations against Isis. |
Allies of the Syrian regime have condemned the prospect of Saudi ground troops in Syria, with the Syrian foreign minister saying any invading forces would return home in coffins. | Allies of the Syrian regime have condemned the prospect of Saudi ground troops in Syria, with the Syrian foreign minister saying any invading forces would return home in coffins. |
Jan Eliasson, the deputy UN Secretary-General, said at a press briefing earlier this week in Dubai that the prospect of ground forces and intensified airstrikes (which were conducted by Russia in the run-up to the Munich meeting) were dangerous escalations in the conflict. | Jan Eliasson, the deputy UN Secretary-General, said at a press briefing earlier this week in Dubai that the prospect of ground forces and intensified airstrikes (which were conducted by Russia in the run-up to the Munich meeting) were dangerous escalations in the conflict. |
7.45am GMT | 7.45am GMT |
07:45 | 07:45 |
Kareem Shaheen | Kareem Shaheen |
A major question regarding the viability of a ceasefire agreement is the status of Jabhat al-Nusra, which is excluded from the agreement, writes Kareem Shaheen. | A major question regarding the viability of a ceasefire agreement is the status of Jabhat al-Nusra, which is excluded from the agreement, writes Kareem Shaheen. |
The group is the al-Qaida affiliate in Syria and its leaders have repeatedly pledged allegiance to Ayman al-Zawahiri, but the Nusra has also allied itself locally with various conservative rebel groups. | The group is the al-Qaida affiliate in Syria and its leaders have repeatedly pledged allegiance to Ayman al-Zawahiri, but the Nusra has also allied itself locally with various conservative rebel groups. |
It is part of the Jaysh al-Fateh alliance that conquered large swathes of Idlib province in the north in the spring of last year, and remains one of the most powerful groups in Syria fighting the Assad regime. | It is part of the Jaysh al-Fateh alliance that conquered large swathes of Idlib province in the north in the spring of last year, and remains one of the most powerful groups in Syria fighting the Assad regime. |
Nusra operates across Syria, including in Aleppo and Latakia provinces, Idlib, Hama and the south not far from the Jordanian and Israeli borders. While the group has claimed that it is not planning attacks in the West from Syria, a wing of the group, known as Khorasan, is believed by some observers to be doing just that, though members of its top echelon have been killed in American airstrikes. | Nusra operates across Syria, including in Aleppo and Latakia provinces, Idlib, Hama and the south not far from the Jordanian and Israeli borders. While the group has claimed that it is not planning attacks in the West from Syria, a wing of the group, known as Khorasan, is believed by some observers to be doing just that, though members of its top echelon have been killed in American airstrikes. |
It is an open question whether attacks against the group will inevitably hit other rebel groups fighting alongside Nusra against the regime and what impact such attacks will have on any nationwide ceasefire agreement. | It is an open question whether attacks against the group will inevitably hit other rebel groups fighting alongside Nusra against the regime and what impact such attacks will have on any nationwide ceasefire agreement. |
7.37am GMT | 7.37am GMT |
07:37 | 07:37 |
Matthew Weaver | Matthew Weaver |
Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev says the use of ground troops in the Syrian conflict could result in world war. | Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev says the use of ground troops in the Syrian conflict could result in world war. |
In an interview given before the cessation of hostilities agreement, Medvedev told the German newspaper Handelsblatt that “a ground operation draws everyone taking part in it into a war.” | In an interview given before the cessation of hostilities agreement, Medvedev told the German newspaper Handelsblatt that “a ground operation draws everyone taking part in it into a war.” |
When asked about a recent proposal from Saudi Arabia to send in ground troops to Syria, the prime minister answered that “the Americans and our Arab partners must consider whether or not they want a permanent war.” | When asked about a recent proposal from Saudi Arabia to send in ground troops to Syria, the prime minister answered that “the Americans and our Arab partners must consider whether or not they want a permanent war.” |
Medvedev criticized Western powers’ refusal to collaborate with Russia in Syria. The prime minister said ties at the level of defense departments are only sporadic. | Medvedev criticized Western powers’ refusal to collaborate with Russia in Syria. The prime minister said ties at the level of defense departments are only sporadic. |
Updated | Updated |
at 7.40am GMT | at 7.40am GMT |