U.S. treats Syrian opposition groups' plans to quit truce with understanding, asks Russia to influence al-Assad - State Dept
WASHINGTON. May 24 (Interfax) - The frustration felt by some armed groups of the Syrian opposition and their statements about their possible withdrawal from the truce have been caused by government forces' actions, the U.S. Department of State has said.
"We understand some armed groups' frustration with the Assad regime's complete disregard for the Cessation and are working urgently to ensure Russia presses the Assad regime to abide fully by the cessation and to stop attacking civilians immediately," a U.S. Department of State spokesman told Interfax on Monday.
The spokesman said this when commenting on the moderate Syrian opposition's statement that it was ready to withdraw from the truce regime over the coming 48 hours.
"Last week, ISSG [International Syria Support Group] members urged full compliance of the parties with the terms of the cessation, including the ceasing of offensive operations, and undertook to use their influence with the parties to the cessation to obtain this compliance," he said.
The Syrian government "has flagrantly violated UNSCR 2254, which calls for an end to the use of indiscriminate weapons [as well as a nationwide ceasefire, and rapid, safe, and unhindered humanitarian access throughout Syria]," the spokesman said.
"There are real threats to the CoH from fighting in key areas where the regime is seeking to gain a military advantage, and we call urgently on Russia to fulfill its commitment and to use its considerable influence with the Assad regime to press for its full compliance with the cessation of hostilities," he said.
The Free Syrian Army said earlier on Monday that it would withdraw from the truce in Syria if the authorities did not stop their offensive on opposition-controlled districts of the country over the next 48 hours and did not pull their forces back to the positions held by them before May 14 of this year.