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US, Russia agree on Syria ceasefire deal

Tuesday, 23 February 2016 2:55 AM [ Last Update: Tuesday, 23 February 2016 2:55 AM ]

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov (L) speaks beside of US Secretary of States John Kerry (R) during a news conference after the International Syria Support Group (ISSG) meeting in Munich, southern Germany, on February 12, 2016. ©AFP

Here is a round-up of global news developments:

The United States and Russia have agreed on a Syria ceasefire deal. The truce will begin from Saturday but will not extend to Daesh Takfiris and al-Qaeda-affiliated terrorists. Russian President Vladimir Putin has described the deal as a real step to end the bloodshed.
Meanwhile, the Saudi-backed Syrian opposition group, the so called High Negotiations Committee says it will accept the ceasefire deal only if its pre-conditions are met. The group said in a statement that it demands the release of prisoners and the delivery of humanitarian aid.
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has announced that the country’s parliamentary elections will be held on April the 13th. The Syrian parliament has a total of 250 members which include different sectors of labors. Lawmakers are elected for a four-year term. The last such elections were held in May 2012.
In Yemen, new evidence shows that Saudi forces and al-Qaeda terrorists are secretly cooperating against Ansarullah movement. The evidence, released by a filmmaker working for British media, shows that terrorists are supported by mercenaries from the United Arab Emirates in Ta’izz province. Saudi forces have denied the charges.
UK-based London Palestine Action has started the annual Israeli Apartheid Week by plastering London subway trains with posters highlighting the role of Britain in the massacre of Palestinians by Tel Aviv. The posters reveal Israel’s use of British-made weapons to kill Palestinians in Gaza back in 2014.
UK Prime Minister David Cameron has defended his deal with the European Union on London’s membership in the bloc. Cameron told lawmakers that the deal guarantees a better future for Britain within the EU. But the opposition criticized the agreement, saying it doesn't address UK's major problems.
Spain’s anti-austerity party Podemos has started negotiations with the Socialists and two other leftwing factions to form a coalition government. Podemos said on its twitter account that the negotiating team would make an attempt to form a government of change and progress.
The death toll from Fiji’s severe tropical cyclone has risen to 29 amid a nationwide curfew and a 30-day state of natural disaster. Officials say the figure could go up as search for bodies is still underway. Cyclone Winston hit the Pacific nation on Saturday.

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