BEIRUT – The main Syrian opposition group said Saturday it would be ready “in principle” to implement a provisional truce, slamming Russia and the Syrian government after a deadline set for a temporary cessation of hostilities passed.
The Saudi-backed group, known as the High Negotiations Committee, said any potential truce would require the Syrian government to first lift blockades from rebel-held communities and release thousands of detainees.
The statement followed a meeting among opposition groups held in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, on Saturday to discuss the situation after the passing of a deadline set by world powers, including Russia and the U.S.
The HNC said any truce must include all parties to the conflict, notably Russia and Iran, key supporters of Bashar Assad’s government. Russia has said that it would continue to strike at “terrorists” in Syria even during a cease-fire.
“The deadline set in Munich for a cessation of hostilities has passed without response from Russia or the regime, who show disdain for the international community and disregard for the lives of Syrians,” said HNC spokesman Salem Al Meslet in a statement.
He said Assad and Russia have spent “yet another week annihilating defenseless Syrians” and called on the international community to implement a new approach that holds the two allies to account.
Meanwhile, the spokesman for Russian President Vladimir Putin said the Kremlin is disappointed by the rejection of a proposed United Nations resolution aimed at stopping cross-border shelling and foreign ground intervention in the Syrian conflict.
The draft resolution was put forth by Russia on Friday at an emergency meeting of the U.N. Security Council and was immediately turned down by France.

 Source: AP, Feb 20, 2016