Three VT / RT articles, 2-22-16… “US / Russia Call for Syria Truce on 2-26-16”

This is certainly a (potentially) major step for the Middle East, and US-Russia relations. We shall see where all of this goes.

Breaking: US-Russia call for February 26th truce in Syria – Updated (VT)

[article] “The US and Russia have adopted “Terms for a Cessation of Hostilities in Syria” and propose that a ceasefire start on Saturday at midnight Damascus time. Terror groups, such as ISIS and Al-Nusra, are not part of the truce.

[Gordon Duff] “With the agreement below, penned by the US for the coalition including Turkey and by Russia, the co-chairs and “plenipotentiary” parties in the implementation of the December 18, 2015 UNSC resolution, a number of things come into play. One stands out as a game changer though many are of significance. The “stickler” as it were is simply this, on February 27, 2016, provided the YPG Kurds agree to participate in the cease fire agreement, which they are expected to do, the ongoing Turkish military action against this group, including but not limited to cross border artillery attacks, will be a violation of a Security Council resolution and require a response from both Russia and the United States within the frame work of the Security Council’s realm of authority.

[Jim Dean] “…from the statement below it appears there is nothing for them to negotiate other than their [Turkey] being in or out. This is how Kerry and Lavrov has cut the deal killers off at the pass. For any of those who consider themselves independent actors you will see a method of dealing with them included in the agreement mechanics.”

Ceasefire in Syria to commence at midnight on Feb. 27 – Russia & US (RT)

“According to the statement, the truce will “be applied to [all] those parties to the Syrian conflict that have indicated their commitment” to accept its terms. It will exclude Islamic State, Al Nusra Front and “other terrorist organizations designated by the UN Security Council.” The ceasefire plan also stipulates that other parties should indicate “their commitment to and acceptance of the terms for the cessation of hostilities” by no later than 12:00 (Damascus time) on February 26.

“On Sunday, Syrian President Bashar Assad said Damascus is ready for a ceasefire, but will not tolerate terrorists exploiting it to restore their positions, adding that the Syrian Army will still continue fight Al-Nusra and Islamic State, as well as radical Islamist Ahrar al-Sham and Jaysh al-Islam.”

Putin: Syrian truce is real chance to end bloodshed [FULL STATEMENT] (RT)

[Vladimir Putin] “I just had a telephone conversation with President of the United States of America Barack Obama. The phone call was initiated by the Russian side, but the interest was certainly mutual. During our conversation, we approved joint statements of Russia and the US, as co-chairs of the ISSG, on the cessation of hostilities in Syria.

“It is fundamentally important that Russia and the US, as co-chairs of the ISSG, are prepared to launch effective mechanisms to promote and monitor compliance with the ceasefire by both the Syrian Government and the armed opposition groups.

“To achieve this goal, we will establish a communication hotline and, if necessary, a working group to exchange relevant information. Russia will conduct the necessary work with Damascus and the legitimate Syrian leadership. We expect that the United States will do the same with regard to their allies and the groups they support.”