US and Russia reach tentative ceasefire deal in Syria

The United States and Russia agreed on a ceasefire last night that will pave the way for a joint US-Russian air campaign against the Islamic State and other extremist groups, as well as new negotiations on the country's political future, the British Guardian reports, Patria transmits.

The agreement was announced by John Kerry, US Secretary of State, and his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, after 13 hours of negotiations in Geneva and tense anticipation while Kerry consulted by phone with colleagues from the administration in Washington.

Both were cautious in describing the agreement, but said it represented a possible "turning point" after more than 5 years of brutal conflict that has claimed over 400,000 lives.

- This is not based on trust, but on assessment, compliance and common interest, Kerry said, adding:
"This is an opportunity, not more than that - until it becomes a reality."

Lavrov described the situation in Syria as "quicksand" with multiple warring parties, some of whom will certainly try to disrupt the US-Russian agreement. For this reason, he said, much of the deal itself will remain secret to prevent sabotage. He also said that Russia had reached an agreement with Bashar al Assad's regime in Damascus. Russia will do "everything that depends on us," Lavrov promised, adding "but not everything depends on us."

Part of this complex agreement is a one-week pause in fighting that will begin on Monday evening, at the start of the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha. During this time, the Syrian army will ease pressure on rebels in areas they hold in Aleppo, to allow humanitarian aid to reach the starving city, while rebels will halt fighting in government-held territory.

The Syrian regime will also suspend airstrikes on rebel areas in the country, which is the main cause of civilian casualties.

If the ceasefire holds, Russian and US forces would begin planning joint air operations against extremist groups, including Isis and the al-Nusra Front (also called the Front for the Conquest of Syria). Syrian air forces would stay out of areas targeted by the US and Russia. The US also intends to persuade other rebel groups to distance themselves from the Nusra Front, with whom they have fought together against the regime.

- Today, the US and Russia are announcing a plan that we hope will reduce violence, suffering, and restore momentum towards negotiations for peace and transition in Syria... which, if realized, offers a chance for a turning point, Kerry said.

Lavrov said he hoped the ceasefire would lead to a faster resumption of negotiations on Syria's political future. Kerry also said he had been in contact with opposition groups in the High Negotiations Committee last week, and that they were ready to participate in such negotiations if the ceasefire took hold and humanitarian aid was delivered to the besieged population.

Staffan de Mistura, the UN envoy for Syria, called the agreement a real opportunity and added that he would consult with UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon regarding the timeline for new political negotiations.

If the ceasefire holds during the first week, US and Russian military officers would form a joint cell for planning and coordinating airstrikes against Isis and al-Nusra. Precisely marking the zones controlled by the Nusra Front was a burning issue during the negotiations, as extremist groups fight near other rebel organizations on various fronts in western Syria. Being able to separate them from their allies on the ground will represent one of the biggest challenges in maintaining the ceasefire.