US, Egypt Welcome 48-Hour Cessation of Combat Operations in Syria’s Daraa

WASHINGTON, (ST)- The United States has welcomed the Syrian Army General Command’s announcement of the 48-hour cessation of combat operations in the Syrian city of Daraa that seeks supporting national reconciliation.

 “We welcome any initiative to reduce tensions and violence in southern Syria, the US State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said Saturday, urging  the armed groups to similarly halt attacks to allow the ceasefire to endure — and hopefully be extended — and humanitarian aid to reach those in need.

 “We will judge this initiative by the results not the words,” Nauert added.

On Friday, SANA reported that the General Command of the Army and Armed Forces announced the cessation of all combat operations in the southern city of Daraa for 48 hours in support of national reconciliation.

Egypt Urges Opposition to Announce Similar Initiative

Meanwhile, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry  also welcomed the Syrian army command announcement on combat cessation and called on the “Syrian opposition factions” to announce a similar initiative on its side in implementation of the agreement on the four de-escalation zones which Egypt hopes to be a step towards a lasting and comprehensive cessation of fighting in the entire Syrian territory.  

The ministry renewed Egypt’s call for finding a peaceful settlement in Syria that ends the crisis, preserves the territorial integrity and independence of Syria and achieve the aspirations of the Syrian people in accordance with Geneva process and the relevant Security Council resolutions.

Hamda Mustafa