Russia has been playing a large role in the Syrian ceasefire by acting as a guarantor and mediator between opposing groups, the Russian head of the truce group in the Hama province said Thursday.
“A national truce emerged thanks to the fact that the Syrian army was able to recover much territory from terrorists. This became possible thanks to Russia, which has exerted maximum effort by producing a very perspective project of national truce in Syria,” Lt.-Col. German Rudenko told RIA Novosti.
Syria has been mired in civil war since 2011, with opposition factions and terrorist groups fighting the Syrian army.
Russia and the United States reached an agreement on a ceasefire in Syria on February 22. The accord took effect on Saturday, generally holding across the country despite reported minor violations. The truce was backed by the UN Security Council, which adopted a resolution on Friday shortly before the ceasefire came into force.
The Syrian government has confirmed its readiness to halt its military actions in accordance with the Russia-US agreement. Some opposition forces have been skeptical about the ceasefire, but in general have agreed to adhere to it.
The cessation of hostilities does not apply to designated terrorist organizations operating in Syria, including Daesh (ISIL) and al-Nusra Front, a group affiliated with al-Qaeda.