Syria opposition sets conditions for temporary truce

A key Syria opposition umbrella group on Saturday said it would agree a temporary truce proposed by world powers on several conditions, including that regime allies Russia and Iran halt fire.

In a statement, the High Negotiations Committee (HNC) also made its acceptance of the so-called "cessation of hostilities" conditional on the lifting of sieges and the delivery of humanitarian aid.

"The rebel factions agreed in principle on the possibility of reaching a temporary ceasefire provided it is done with international mediation and with guarantees obliging Russia, Iran and their sectarian militias and mercenaries to stop fighting," HNC chief Riad Hijab said in a statement.

The HNC is an umbrella group of political opposition bodies and "rebel" factions that was formed to participate in negotiations with the regime that collapsed earlier this month.

After the talks fell apart, world powers last week proposed a ceasefire as part of a plan that also included expanded humanitarian access...
[zeenews.india.com]
20/2/16