US president Barack Obama says ending the civil war in Syria is the key to prevail in the fight against ISIL. He made the remarks after a meeting with the US National security Council that discussed the conflict and the campaign against the group.
"If implemented –and that's a significant if – the cessation could reduce the violence and get more food and aid to Syrians who are suffering and desperately need it. It could save lives,"
"Potentially it could also lead to negotiations on a political settlement to end the civil war so that everybody can focus their attention on destroying ISIL,"
"And that's why the Unites States will do everything we can to maximise the chances of success in the cessation of hostilities," said Obama.
But Obama admitted that even under the best of circumstances, violence will not end immediately. That's because the plan of "cessation of hostilities" does not include ISIL and the al-Qaeda affiliate Nusra Front which would likely continue to fight.
However, he urged all the parties involved in the ceasefire talks to end attacks, including aerial bombardment. He also said humanitarian aid must be allowed to reach besieged areas. He urged the Syrian government and Russia to live up to their commitments.
