Russian cease-fire support ‘a step forward’, says UK

LONDON

Russian backing for a 48-hour cease-fire in Syria is a “step forward” that must be supported, Britain’s Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson has said.

Johnson said the whole world was horrified by people’s suffering in the northern city of Aleppo, where the Syrian regime and opposition forces have been engaged in some of the most intense fighting seen in the country’s civil war.

Innocent civilians were being bombed and defenseless children murdered, he said.

“The fighting must stop now,” Johnson added in a statement issued on Friday.

“Russia indicating its support for a 48-hour cessation of hostilities is a step forward.

“Let’s implement that plan immediately, so we can get essential help, food and medical supplies to the beleaguered people of Aleppo.”

The statement continued: “It is only when the fighting and bombing stops that we can hope to deliver the political solution – a transition away from the Assad regime towards a new government committed to the interests of all Syrians.”

Russia announced on Thursday that it would support a 48-hour ceasefire in Aleppo to take effect next week.