Syria ceasefire remains 'on hold'

(Baonghean.vn) - At 1:00 a.m. this morning (September 23, Vietnam time), the international Syria support group met again on the sidelines of the world leaders' conference at the United Nations. However, the parties have yet to reach any agreement on a ceasefire in Syria.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and US Secretary of State John Kerry are working to extend the ceasefire in Syria. Photo: Sputnik

The early morning meeting of the International Syria Support Group co-chaired by the US and Russia made little progress, and the possibility of extending the ceasefire in Syria that expired earlier this week remains uncertain.

Members of the International Syria Support Group (ISSG) met for the second time after the UN General Assembly failed to restore a ceasefire following talks that UN Special Envoy for Syria Steffan de Mistura called “protracted, painful and disappointing”.

Mr. De Mistura expressed skepticism about the negotiations, saying that there was little time left to decide on a ceasefire in Syria. He said the failure of the ceasefire so far was due to both the government and the opposition forces.

“We cannot tell the world that we have reached an agreement when we have not actually achieved it,” Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told reporters. Referring to the obstacles in the negotiations on the peace process in Syria, Lavrov pointed out that “efforts seem to come only from the Syrian government.”

Lavrov urged all sides in the conflict in Syria to adhere to the ceasefire reached by Russia and the United States in Geneva: “We stressed the need and sought the support of opposition forces, so that terrorist groups such as Jabhat al-Nusra could not benefit from this ceasefire.” According to Lavrov, the International Syria Support Group had reached a “common understanding” and was working out the details.

Meanwhile, US Secretary of State John Kerry blamed Russia and Syria for not fulfilling their roles under the agreement, and demanded that all aircraft conducting airstrikes in Syria land immediately.

“If we don't do this, I believe there will be no prospects or plans that can be achieved, and we will not be able to make any positive statement after the meeting,” said Mr. John Kerry.

Mr. Kerry said that extending the ceasefire, resuming relief operations, isolating terrorist groups such as the Nusra Front and Daesh, and starting negotiations are fundamental elements to restore the unity of Syria.

Mr. Kerry added that if Russia makes constructive proposals at today's meeting, the US is ready to listen.

On September 22, the Syrian armed forces launched a new offensive in the eastern part of Aleppo city, warning civilians to stay away from areas occupied by terrorist forces./.

Diep Khanh

(According to RT)