US and Russia announce peace plan to end conflict in Syria

The US and Russia have agreed on a plan to end the conflict in Syria. The plan calls for a nationwide cessation of hostilities in the war-torn region, beginning at sundown on 12 September.

The deal was brokered between US Secretary of State John Kerry and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov following extensive talks in Geneva today (9 September).

Speaking at a joint press conference, Kerry said the plan could mark a "turning point" for the Syrian conflict if it is successfully implemented, laying the foundation of a peace process.

The plan would need both the regime and opposition "to meet their obligations" he said, BBC News reports.

Kerry added that if the ceasefire is sustained for a period of seven days, the US will forge a military partnership with Russia to launch strikes against the Islamic State and al-Nusra front, in a bid to defeat the terrorist groups.

The Syrian government has responded to the proposed plan saying it is prepared to comply with the deal. Opposition forces have also indicated they would adhere to the requirements of the peace plan if the government commits fully to the deal, Sky News reports.

The United Nations envoy to Syria, Stefan de Mistura, welcomed the agreement and said the UN would exert all efforts to deliver humanitarian aid.

Kerry and Lavrov previously met at the G20 Summit in China on 5 September and hoped to reach a peace deal over Syria, but talks failed. The US warned Russia that they were running out of time and urged for a conclusion to the peace talks.

Washington and Moscow have till now, been on opposite sides in the five-year civil war in Syria, with Russia backing Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, while Washington supported moderate Syrian rebels who want to oust him.