Syrian opposition urges ceasefire during Eid al-Adha feast

Some Syrian opposition parties have called for a ceasefire in Syria during the coming feast of Muslim Eid al-Adha to alleviate some of the suffering of the Syrian people, the pro-government al-Watan daily reported Thursday.

In a statement, the domestically-based National Coordination Body (NCB) called for a "humanitarian" ceasefire during the week- long holiday of Eid al-Adha, or the feast of sacrifice.

The NCB's call came in tandem with a popular initiative launched recently by a number of political, religious figures, some with the opposition -- "for the safety of our people, reach out for a ceasefire in Syria."

The NCB urged all political movements and military forces to support the ceasefire initiative to "alleviate the suffering of the Syrian people and to give them some hope."

For his part, Muaz al-Khatib, the former head of the exiled Syrian National Coalition for opposition forces, said in a statement that the success of the ceasefire during the feast would have "a great impact on any future steps aiming at curbing the bloodletting in Syria."

Eid al-Adha, long a source of delight for Muslims, has lost its luster in Syria because of the more than three-year-old conflict. Most Syrians choose to confine themselves to their homes during the holiday.
Sources: Xinhua - globaltimes.cn
2/10/14
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