Egypt lauds US-Russian decision to cease hostilities in Syria

Egypt on Monday welcomed an announcement made by the US and Russia about the cessation of hostilities in Syria that would come into effect at midnight on February 27.

"This step is important and necessary to facilitate the entry of humanitarian aid to the Syrian people, put an end to violent acts and provide an environment supportive of a political process under UN brokerage until reaching a full agreement on ceasefire and achieving a political settlement to the Syrian crisis," spokesman for the Foreign Ministry Ahmed Abu Zeid said in a statement.

"The coming period requires that all parties be committed to enforcing the truce and prioritizing the interest of the Syrian people whose suffering has exacerbated due to the continued fighting and violence, in parallel with combating the terrorist groups in Syria," he added.

Egypt made intensive contacts with the US and Russian sides on the issue hours before the declaration of the truce, he noted.
Source: MENA