US and Russia agree on Syria peace plan
The US and Russia have agreed on a plan to end fighting in Syria and introduce political transition to the country after a day of intense talks.
Speaking in Geneva, Secretary of State John Kerry said the two countries would call on all sides to cease hostilities from 12 September - in a hope to bring Syria government and opposition forces to the diplomatic table.
Both the Syrian government and opposition forces are said to be willing to comply with the proposed deal.
Mr Kerry said the deal, brokered with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, could be a "turning point" and bring about the end of suffering to the Syrian people.
Key humanitarian access could now be granted to besieged locations and, if the plan is successful, Russia and the US aim to work together to defeat so-called Islamic State and al-Nusra fighters, a press conference was told.
Syria's mainstream opposition welcomed the move, saying on Saturday that, if enforced, the plan had the potential to end the ordeal of civilians in Syria.
Bassma Kodmani, spokeswoman for the opposition High Negotiations Committee (HNC), said in a statement that the onus would be on Russia, as its influence "was the only way to get the regime to comply".
At a press conference, Mr Kerry said the US were "going the extra" mile as they believe Russia can press Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad to make peace.
He described the peace plan as having the capability of sticking - provided both the government and opposition forces meet their obligations.
Part of the plan would include a ban on the government flying combat missions where opposition forces are present.
It will also target barrel and indiscriminate bombing, which has wreaked havoc on Syrian cities.
Russia and the US will now call on all sides in Syria to commit to a nationwide ceasefire - effective from 12 September.
The opposition has indicated it is prepared to comply with the plan, Mr Kerry revealed, provided the Syrian government "shows it is serious".
Access to besieged and hard-to-reach areas, including Aleppo, would also be granted, Mr Kerry said.
Humanitarian groups would then be able to read fragile areas of southern Aleppo to provide much-needed relief.
Mr Kerry said that if the plan sticks, the US and Russia would be able to facilitate political transition in Syria.
Mr Lavrov said that, despite continuing mistrust, the two sides had developed five documents which would facilitate the fight against terrorism.
They provide the "necessary conditions" for political talks in the war-torn country to resume, as well as expand humanitarian access.
According to Mr Lavrov, the Syrian government is also ready to fulfill the plan's obligations.