The United States and Russian governments have agreed to a cessation of hostilities in Syria that will take effect on midnight of Feb. 26. However, this is just partial, as several fighting groups wagering their own war inside the country will not be affected.
Presidents Barack Obama and Vladimir Putin discussed the ceasefire process over the phone.
In a statement as quoted by CNN, the International Syria Support Group (ISSG) said, "Any party engaged in military or paramilitary hostilities in Syria, other than 'Daesh,' 'Jabhat al-Nusra,' or other terrorist organizations designated by the U.N. Security Council will indicate to the Russian Federation or the United States, as co-chairs of the ISSG, their commitment to and acceptance of the terms for the cessation of hostilities by no later than 12:00 (Damascus time) on Feb. 26, 2016."
The ceasefire is much needed as the borders between Syria, Turkey and Saudi Arabia are a hot-zone right now and, with a single command, can turn immediately into a war zone. A large number of ground troops from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are already positioned, ready to march into Syria. The balance now hangs between the United States and Russia.
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad was already opting for a cessation of hostility and ceasefire since he has been battling this civil war for more than five years. He also wanted for more humanitarian help to come in for the civilians.
In an interview conducted by the Spanish newspaper El Pais, the Syrian President said that other fighting groups should not take this opportunity to gain more ground against Syria.
"It's about preventing other countries, especially Turkey, from sending more recruits, more terrorists, more armaments, or any kind of logistical support to those terrorists," he said.
Beginning in September last year, Russia has helped the Syrian government in its civil war. However, the fighting has pulled in several countries into the fighting. Iran and Lebanon's Hezbollah is also in support of the Syrian government. Meanwhile, rebels trying to topple Mr. Assad are being supported by the United States, Saudi Arabia and Turkey, as Reuters reported.
