US calls Syria ceasefire deal

The United States on Thursday welcomed a nationwide ceasefire deal in Syria brokered by Russia and Turkey as a "positive development," saying it hoped it would lead to fresh talks on the war-wracked country's political future, the CNN reported. 

"News of a ceasefire in the Syrian civil war is a positive development," State Department spokesman Mark Toner said in a statement.

"We hope it will be implemented fully and respected by all parties. Any effort that stops the violence, saves lives, and creates the conditions for renewed and productive political negotiations would be welcome."

Toner said Washington "fully" supports a call by the UN special envoy for Syria, Staffan de Mistura, for renewed negotiations in Geneva on Syria's political future. The United States has long said that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad must go.

"The international community hopes this ceasefire will hold so a Syrian-led transition toward a more representative, united, and peaceful government can begin," Toner said.

"An inclusive Syrian-led political process between the Syrian regime and the opposition is critical for establishing a durable settlement to this conflict."

Source: MENA