The Syrian ceasefire remains 'on hold'.

(Baonghean.vn) - At 1:00 AM this morning (September 23rd, Vietnam time), the international group supporting Syria met again on the sidelines of the world leaders' conference at the United Nations. However, the parties have yet to reach an 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 meeting of the US- and Russian-co-chaired International Syria Support Group this morning yielded little progress, and the possibility of extending the ceasefire in Syria, which expired earlier this week, remains uncertain.

Members of the International Support Group for Syria (ISSG) met for the second time after the UN General Assembly failed to restore the ceasefire following discussions that UN Special Envoy for Syria Steffan de Mistura described as “prolonged, painful and frustrating”.

De Mistura expressed considerable skepticism about the negotiations, stating that there was little time left to decide on a ceasefire in Syria. He attributed the failure of the ceasefire to both the government and the opposition forces.

Speaking to the press, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said, "We cannot declare to the world that we have reached an agreement when we haven't actually done so." Referring to the obstacles in the Syrian peace process, Lavrov pointed out that "the efforts seem to be coming only from the Syrian government."

Lavrov urged all parties in the Syrian conflict to abide by the ceasefire reached by Russia and the US in Geneva: “We emphasize the need to seek the support of opposition forces so that terrorist groups like Jabhat al-Nusra cannot benefit from this ceasefire.” According to Lavrov, the Syrian International Support Group has reached a “common understanding” and is clarifying the details.

Meanwhile, US Secretary of State John Kerry blamed Russia and Syria for failing to fulfill 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 won't be able to make any positive statements after the meeting," said John Kerry.

Kerry argued that extending the ceasefire, resuming aid operations, isolating terrorist groups such as the Nusra Front and Daesh, and beginning negotiations were fundamental elements in restoring the unity of Syria.

Kerry added that if Russia offered constructive proposals at today's meeting, the U.S. would be willing to listen.

On September 22, Syrian armed forces launched a new offensive in the east of Aleppo, warning civilians to stay away from areas held by terrorist forces.

Diep Khanh

(According to RT)