From Washington, this is VOA News.
I’m Steve Karesh reporting.
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said Friday in Munich major powers have agreed to seek a cessation of hostilities in Syria.
“We have agreed to implement a nationwide cessation of hostilities to begin in a target of one’s week time. That is ambitious, but everybody is determined to move as rapidly as possible to try to achieve this. This will apply to any and all parties in Syria with the exception of the terrorist organizations, Daesh and al-Nusra, and any other terrorist organization designated by the (United Nations) Security Council.”
Kerry added that the 17-nation International Syria Support Group has agreed that a task force, co-chaired by the U.S. and Russia, will work towards a long-term reduction in violence.
Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, however, has cautioned the world powers about committing their troops. He said "a ground operation draws everyone taking part in it into a war."
The support group also agreed to "accelerate and expand" delivery of humanitarian assistance.
Also in Munich, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is to meet with the head of NATO.
This after the Western military alliance and the U.S. announced plans for the biggest military build-up in Europe since the Cold War.
Russia has called NATO's moves a threat to stability.
NATO says the plans are aimed at reassuring eastern European allies concerned about Russian aggression.
South Sudan President Salva Kiir has appointed his rival, rebel leader Riek Machar, as first vice president in a coalition government.
The appointment is part of a peace deal signed by the two leaders last August.
Machar told VOA that this is a good step toward implementing that deal.
This is VOA News.
Words in This New
cessation – n. a stopping or suspension of some action
implement – v. to begin to use or do
ambitious – adj. having a desire to be famous, powerful or successful
determined – v. trying to do or carry out something that is difficult
rapidly – adj. quickly
achieve – v. to get or reach by hard work
apply – v. to cause to have an effect
designated – adj. chosen for a job, but not doing that job yet
task force – n. a group of people who deal with a problem or issue
cautioned – v. warned
committing – v. to promise or require someone to do something
draws in – v. to cause to enter or take part
accelerate – v. to speed up
delivery – n. the act of taking something to a person or place
build-up – n. an increase
stability – n. security
reassuring – v. to make someone feel less concerned or angry
rival – n. opponent
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