Putin, Obama agree to strengthen Syria ceasefire

Russian President Vladimir Putin and his U.S. counterpart Barack Obama agreed during a phone call on Monday to strengthen a Syria ceasefire brokered by their two nations, the Kremlin said.

“The leaders discussed in detail the situation in Syria, confirming in particular their intention to facilitate the strengthening of a Russian-U.S. initiated ceasefire in this country as well as access for humanitarian aid,” the Kremlin said in a statement.

Moderate rebels

Mr. Putin also stressed the need for “moderate” rebels to distance themselves from Islamic State and al-Nusra Front jihadists and also urged the closure of the border between Syria and Turkey from where “supplies of arms for extremists” are continuing, the Kremlin said.

A partial ceasefire, which was negotiated by the U.S. and Russia and took effect on February 27, had dramatically curtailed violence across much of Syria and raised hopes that a lasting deal could be struck in Geneva to end the bloodshed. Syria’s opposition has postponed its “formal participation” in peace talks in protest over escalating violence, but will remain in Geneva and may continue informal discussions with mediators, the UN envoy said on Monday.