Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia, announced on Thursday, December 30, that the Syrian government has signed a ceasefire agreement with the armed opposition in the country. The two groups are also 'ready to begin' peace negotiations. According to a report by AFP on Thursday based on statements from the Russian President broadcast on the country's television, following the signing of the ceasefire agreement, Russia will also reduce the number of its military forces in Syrian territory. According to Vladimir Putin, who has appeared alongside Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as the main supporter of Bashar al-Assad and his government in Damascus, Assad has reached a ceasefire agreement with the 'main armed opposition forces' in the country after nearly six years. He did not mention the names of these groups; however, the Russian Defense Minister provided separate comments on Thursday that may help clarify this ambiguous point. According to Sergei Shoigu, the Russian Defense Minister, the ministry has been negotiating for two months 'with the mediation of Turkey' with 'leaders of moderate opposition groups' in Syria, which apparently control a wide territory in the center of the country. Putin also promised to soon reduce the number of Russian forces in Syrian territory. According to the Russian President, who emphasized continued support for Bashar al-Assad, this action will occur following a proposal from the Russian Defense Ministry. Sergei Lavrov, the Russian Foreign Minister, stated on Tuesday, December 28, that the Syrian government is on the verge of holding peace negotiations and is consulting with opposition groups. However, on the same day, an opposition group supported by Saudi Arabia announced that it had no information about such negotiations. Nevertheless, confirming Putin's news, earlier on Wednesday, Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, the Turkish Foreign Minister, stated that Ankara and Moscow had prepared a plan for a ceasefire in Turkey. He, however, emphasized that Turkey continues to support the opposition's demand for the removal of Bashar al-Assad. Syrian groups have not yet reacted to the news of the ceasefire agreement.
Ceasefire Agreement Signed Between Assad and Opposition; Russia to Reduce Its Forces
A ceasefire agreement has been signed between the Syrian government and armed opposition, with Russia announcing a reduction of its military forces in Syria. This development follows negotiations mediated by Turkey and indicates a potential shift in the ongoing conflict. The situation is significant as it may impact the dynamics of the Syrian civil war and the roles of external powers involved.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
A ceasefire agreement has been signed between the Syrian government and armed opposition groups, with Russia announcing a reduction of its military presence in Syria.
- The ceasefire agreement was mediated by Turkey.
- Russia plans to reduce its military forces in Syria following the agreement.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
The Syrian civil war has been a complex conflict involving multiple factions and international powers, leading to a humanitarian crisis and regional instability.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
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