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Tuesday 23 Feb 2016 - 12:11 Makkah mean time-14-5-1437
Russia's FM Lavrov (L) and US Secretary of State Kerry (AFP file image)
Washington (IINA) – The United States and Russia on Monday announced plans for a landmark "cessation of hostilities" to take effect in war-torn Syria on February 27, excluding groups such as Daesh and al Qaeda's Nusra Front.
In a joint statement, Washington and Moscow said the partial truce would begin at midnight Damascus time (2200 GMT Friday) and apply to parties to the conflict that have committed to the deal – but not to the Islamic State (IS) group or Al-Nusra Front, an Al-Qaeda affiliate, AFP reported.
US President Barack Obama and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed the deal in a phone call, the White House said.
"This is a moment of opportunity and we are hopeful that all the parties will capitalize on it," White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest said.
Putin said Moscow will do "whatever is necessary" to ensure that Damascus respects the agreement.
"We are counting on the United States to do the same with its allies and the groups that it supports," he said in a televised address.
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon called the ceasefire a "long-awaited signal of hope", and urged all sides to abide by it.
AB/IINA
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