Middle East

UN Security Council set to endorse Syria ceasefire

UNITED STATES, United States (AFP) — The UN Security Council is expected to vote Friday on a US-Russian draft resolution endorsing the Syria ceasefire, diplomats said. The 15-member council is set to meet as of 2000 GMT to hear a report from UN envoy Staffan de Mistura and could vote on the measure at that session. The draft text obtained by AFP welcomes the truce as “a step towards a lasting ceasefire” and endorses the US-Russian agreement […]

Obama warns Russia ‘world will be watching’ Syria ceasefire

WASHINGTON, United States (AFP) — US President Barack Obama put the onus for upholding a ceasefire in Syria firmly on the regime and its Russian ally Thursday, warning Moscow and Damascus that the “world will be watching.” Hours before the Saturday cessation of hostilities comes into force, Obama huddled with his top national security advisors to plot the way forward and discuss the campaign against the Islamic State group. “Everybody knows what needs to happen,” Obama […]

Obama says U.S. will prevail in fight against Islamic State

WASHINGTON D. C., United States (Reuters) — U.S. President Barack Obama on Thursday (February 25) expressed confidence that the United States would prevail in its fight against the Islamic State, but said that an end to the conflict in Syria would be key to dismantling the group. Obama made the comments following a meeting with the National Security Council at the State Department. Obama said his security team was realistic about how difficult the fight […]

Syria to continue fight against terrorism after US-Russia ceasefire deal: official

DAMASCUS, Syria (CCTV/Reuters) — The Syrian government will continue its fight against terrorism after a ceasefire deal reached by the U.S. and Russia suspends hostile activities between the government and oppositions, said an official Tuesday. The U.S. and Russia Monday reached an agreement on ceasefire among all sides in Syria. The agreement will be effective starting Saturday. However, the deal will not be extended to the terrorists, and the Syrian government has agreed to accept […]