United States and Russia publicly announced that the ceasefire deal with the Syria's government has been put into agreement and will commence this Saturday, but a lot of parties remain concerned about the cessation of hostilities.
"The High Negotiations Committee believes a provisional truce for two weeks would provide a chance to determine the commitment of the other side," opposition stated. .
However, Russia and Syria stressed that the importance of continuing an uncompromising fight excluded the Islamic State (IS) groups and the Al-Qaeda linked Nusra Front militants, as recognized terrorists groups by the United Nations, from the ceasefire deal.
Moscow has started ceasefire negotiations with rebel groups in five Syrian provinces. Russia's foreign ministry had opened a coordination center in Syria that is "already carrying out work with representatives of the groups in various settlements in the provinces of Hama, Homs, Latakia, Damascus and Deraa."
The said ministry told that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad assured Russian President Vladimir Putin of his government's readiness to respect the deal as agreed in a telephone conversation.
Assad said the proposals stated in the agreement were an important step in the direction of a political settlement.
The White House announced that cessation of hostilities deal in Syria does not prevent the United States from pressing the case against the Islamic State.
White House spokesman Josh Earnest told reporters, "At this point, I'm unwilling to discuss potential military options at a time when we're hoping that diplomacy can succeed."
The Russian head discussed the ceasefire with the leaders of Iran and Saudi Arabia.
Reports said that King Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud of Saudi Arabia welcomed the achieved agreements and expressed readiness for mutual work with Russia to realize them.
Saudi Arabia has been a key backer of the Syrian opposition and rebel factions, whereas Russia has been a longtime ally of Assad.
As reported in Al-Jazeera, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he was concerned that the US-Russian plan may take advantage for government forces and their backers while being indecisive on the terms for the Syrian opposition.
"I have to be very frank: Syria and its allies are responsible for not having a resolution in the latest round of talks; therefore if they continue to have the same attitude ...talking on one side to gain time and attacking Syrians and civilians on the other side, this initiative cannot be successful. But if they are serious, we will see. For example, whether they will be no air bombardment against Aleppo, that will be a litmus test for them," he stated.
The Turkish head also said that his country welcomed efforts towards the agreement of ceasefire, however, alleged US, EU, UN, Russia and Iran of allowing their government forces to kill the civilians.
Since September 30, 2015, Russia has been carrying out air strikes in Syria in support of its ally President Bashar al-Assad. The campaign has been relentless and growing in intensity, with Russian jets flying 444 combat sorties against more than 1,500 targets between February 10 and 16 alone.
Nevertheless, the U.N.'s World Food Programme has estimated about 500,000 Syrians are living in besieged areas. The aid group dropped 21 tons of humanitarian assistance for residents trapped in the besieged city, but it remained unclear whether the aid drop successfully reached its target.
