BEIRUT, LEBANON (10:05 A.M.) – Minutes ago, Turkish state media reported that the Russian and Turkish governments agreed to terms for a nationwide ceasefire in Syria.
This news comes just 48 hours after the Turkish Foreign Minister announced that his regime and Russia were close to finalizing terms for a ceasefire across Syria.
Unlike previous ceasefires in Syria, the U.S. was not the main negotiating party with the Russians; this likely due to the fact that Turkey has greater influence over the rebel groups.
A major obstacle for the Russians in the past was getting the rebel groups to adhere to the guidelines set forth in the ceasefire, without upsetting their American counterparts.
Turkey has the ability to halt rebel operations by closing off the Bab Al-Hawa border-crossing, which is considered one of the most important sites along the militant supply line from the Hatay Province.
No details have been disclosed regarding the terms agreed upon between the Russians and Turks.
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