U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry has announced on Friday that the U.S and Russia have reached an agreement to reduce violence in war-torn Syria and allow humanitarian access in the country.
Kerry said that the agreement calls for a nationwide ceasefire and begin at sunset on Sept. 12. Only if the ceasefire holds for seven days, it could lead to Russian and U.S. military coordination.
"If this arrangement holds, then we will see a significant reduction in violence across Syria." Kerry said in an address in Geneva.
The agreement also involves pullbacks from both sides in a major road in the war-torn city of Aleppo and the creation of a demilitarized zone, and unhindered humanitarian access.
Under the agreement the U.S. would work with opposition groups and the Russians with the Syrian government of President Bashar al-Assad to make sure the cease fire holds.
"I want to emphasize: These measures can only be implemented effectively if all the parties live up to their obligations," Kerry said.
John Kerry further added that if legitimate opposition groups want to be considered legitimate parties they need to distance themselves in every way possible from the terror groups al-Nusra Front and ISIS.
"And we expect that Russia will ensure that the Syrian government will adhere to all of its requirements about its air activities and about the access for humanitarian deliverance." Kerry said.
Kerry further shed light on the deal that the agreement would involve a joint center to share initial information and delineate territories controlled by opposition groups as part of the broader peace effort.
Eventually, U.S. and Russian experts could work together to defeat ISIS and al-Nusra in the country, Kerry said.
Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook said whether the U.S. and Russia cooperate militarily is dependent on a sustained ceasefire. But ceasefire is ceasefire, Syrians needs ceasefire and both parties involved must respect the deal.
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