Syrian rebels float Ramadan ceasefire

1 June 2016, 8:55 pm

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In Syria, the main opposition group has called on the UN to broker a countrywide ceasefire for the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, which begins next week.

Riad Hijab, head of the opposition High Negotiations Committee, which participated in failed peace talks with the government in Geneva earlier this year, writes in a letter to the UN secretary-general that a “comprehensive” ceasefire and the unfettered delivery of aid are preconditions for resuming negotiations.

An earlier, partial cease-fire this year excluded al-Qaeda’s Syria affiliate and its extremist rival the Islamic State group. It brought welcome relief to some opposition areas but frayed by late April.

— AP