Under the agreement, a national cease-fire would begin in Syria at nightfall Monday, timing that coincides with the significant Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who joined Kerry in the talks, confirmed the agreement during a news conference held by the two men. He had said hours earlier that Russia was on board and merely waiting for the U.S. to sign on, as Kerry conducted discussions with other administration officials. Pentagon officials have expressed skepticism about the negotiations, saying that Russia has proven untrustworthy in its actions in Syria so far. On Friday, government forces claimed to have retaken a key transit point leading into the government-controlled western side of Aleppo.

Source: Los Angeles Times September 09, 2016 22:36 UTC