Syrian opposition hopes Russia-US deal will aid civilians

Published September 10, 2016

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, left, and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov confer at each other at the conclusion of a joint press conference following their meeting to discuss the crisis in Syria, in Geneva, Switzerland, Friday, Sept. 9, 2016. (Kevin Lamarque/Pool Photo via AP) (The Associated Press)

The main Syrian opposition umbrella group says it hopes a new U.S.-Russian agreement will be enforced in order to ease the suffering of civilians.

Basma Kodmani, of the High Negotiations Committee, tells The Associated Press that Russia should pressure President Bashar Assad's government to abide by the agreement reached early Saturday.

The United States and Russia announced a deal that foresees a nationwide cease-fire starting on Monday, followed a week later by an unexpected new military partnership targeting Islamic State and al-Qaida militants as well as the establishment of new limits on Assad's forces.

Kodmani says mechanisms will be needed for the enforcement of the deal, including the "cessation of hostilities and the grounding (of) regime air forces."

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