The deal to create "de-escalation" zones in the major areas of conflict in western Syria took effect at midnight. The DealIran and Turkey agreed to the Russian proposal for de-escalation zones on Thursday. The agreement said four de-escalation zones would be established in Syria for a period of six months which could be extended if the three signatory countries agreed. On Saturday the Russian and US chiefs of general staff discussed the de-escalation zones and agreed to fully resume the implementation of a 2015 joint memorandum on preventing mid-air incidents over Syria, Russian news agencies quoted the Russian Defence Ministry as saying. The de-escalation zones appear intended to halt conflict in specific areas between government forces and rebels, and would potentially be policed by foreign troops.

Source: Egypt Independent May 07, 2017 08:48 UTC