Al-Moallem: Cessation of hostilities agreement reflects the Syrian State’s confidence in victory

Damascus – Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign and Expatriates Minister Walid al-Moallem affirmed that the cessation of hostilities agreement which comes into effect tonight reflects the Syrian state and army’s confidence in victory over terrorism, saying it is a real opportunity to reach a political settlement to the crisis in the country.

“The agreement came after victory in Aleppo, it reflects a fact that what follows Aleppo liberation is not the same as what was before, so it is important to have a political investment for victory in Aleppo and the first step is the cessation of hostilities,” Al-Moallem told Syrian TV in an interview broadcast Thursday.

He added that Syria has confidence in the Russian guarantor because it was a partner in the fight against terrorism, and this guarantor affirmed that any violation of the agreement would be confronted and that the factions that didn’t sign the agreement are terrorist ones, SANA reported.

“There would be a mechanism for observing any violations or breaches… they will not accept any violations whether through borders or in the regions where terrorists exist,” al-Moallem said.

He added that the agreement doesn’t include ISIS or Jabhat al-Nusra terrorists or any affiliated groups, so there would be duties for the Syrian armed forces to be continued.

“At the same time, there is a real opportunity to reach a political settlement to the crisis in Syria that ends the bloodshed and founds for the future of the country,” al-Moallem affirmed