Russia warns US over truce violations in Syria

Russia says it will unilaterally start using force against those violating the partial truce in Syria, if the US does not agree to joint rules by Tuesday. A Russian general said delays in agreeing the rules were “unacceptable” and proposed holding an urgent meeting. However, the US rejected the call, saying Russia’s concerns were already […]

Russia says it will unilaterally start using force against those violating the partial truce in Syria, if the US does not agree to joint rules by Tuesday.
A Russian general said delays in agreeing the rules were “unacceptable” and proposed holding an urgent meeting.
However, the US rejected the call, saying Russia’s concerns were already being handled in a constructive manner.
The cessation of hostilities has significantly reduced the violence in Syria since it began on 27 February. However, both the Syrian government and opposition have complained of repeated violations.
As part of the deal between the warring parties they brokered last month, the US and Russia agreed to chair a ceasefire taskforce that would “develop effective mechanisms to promote and monitor compliance with the ceasefire”.
On Monday, Lt Gen Sergei Rudskoi, chief of the main operational directorate of the general staff of the Russian armed forces, said the US had not responded to repeated requests to draw up measures to tackle “groups that systematically violate” the truce.