MOSCOW, Dec. 29 (UPI) — Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and rebel groups on Thursday agreed to a cease-fire.
The truce will come into effect at midnight Thursday. Putin made the comment during a meeting with Russian foreign and defense ministers. The Islamic State and Jabhat Fateh al-Sham — formerly the al-Nusra Front — are not included in the agreement.
“Reports have just arrived that several hours ago there was a development that we all have looked and worked for for so long,” Putin said. “Three documents have been signed. A cease-fire between the Syrian government and the armed opposition is one. A package of measures to control the cease-fire is another. And a declaration of readiness to enter into peace talks on a settlement in Syria is the third.”
The cease-fire announcement comes after Assad’s regime seized full control of Aleppo, the east of which was once a rebel stronghold.
“As we understand very well, all the agreements reached are very fragile, they demand special attention and patience, a professional approach to these issues and a constant contact with our partners,” Putin added.
