Pakistan welcomes US, Russia deal on Syria

ISLAMABAD, Feb 27: Pakistan has welcomed the agreement reached between Russia and the US for a tionwide cessation of hostilities to begin in Syria on February 27.

The US and Russia agreed this week on a “cessation of hostilities” between the Syrian government and groups fighting it in a deal that keeps out the Islamic State group and the al-Nusra Front.

“We also appreciate the efforts of the Intertiol Syria Support Group and sincerely wish for the success of the agreement,” a Foreign Ministry spokesman said.

He said Pakistan has always maintained a principled position on Syria based on neutrality, impartiality and respect for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Syria.

“We, however, remain concerned on the humanitarian crisis and the urgent need to address the refugee crisis,” the spokesman said.

On Monday US Secretary of State John Kerry and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov reached the terms of a tionwide cessation of hostilities in Syria. (IANS)