Syrian ceasefire comes into effect

A nationwide ceasefire between Syrian government forces and rebel groups has come into effect which has been brokered by Russia and Turkey, which will act as guarantors, began midnight last night. The deal includes a large number of rebel groups but not terrorists such as Islamic State, or the Kurdish YPG.

If the ceasefire holds, peace talks are scheduled to be held in Kazakhstan within a month. At least 3 lakh people are believed to have been killed in fighting that followed the uprising against President Bashar al-Assad in March 2011. A further four million have sought refuge in



neighbouring states or Europe.

The diplomatic noises are encouraging, and even the rebel groups involved have suggested it could succeed. However, previous ceasefire initiatives this year brokered by the UN, or the US acting with Russia, quickly collapsed. The Kremlin said President Vladimir Putin had spoken to Bashar al-Assad and that the Syrian leader had said he was committed to implementing the agreement.Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Muallem said there was a real chance to reach a political settlement to end the bloodshed and establish the future of the country.