In the course of the last 24 hours, by the mediation of the Russian Federation, peacemaking agreement with elders of Marzaf (Hama province) has been signed. More than 600 citizens of Marzaf, representatives of the Muslim religious leaders, Syrian and foreign journalists attended the agreement signing.
Yesterday, leaders of a Jaish al-Islam grouping, which controlled Ruheiba (Damascus province) made a decision to join the ceasefire agreement.
Total number of reconciliation agreements has reached 44.
Comment: This is what Sheikh Ahmed Mubarak, the local leader in Maarzaf where reconciliation talks were held, had to say about the agreement:
"The work is very meticulous and delicate, everything here is based on religious and national matters, but overall about 30 communities have signed an application form to join the peace process and negotiations," Lt.-Col. German Rudenko told reporters.Not only are rebel groups agreeing to cease fire; entire communities are accepting to return to official Syrian governance. It looks like this cessation of hostilities has been a great way of separating the wheat from the chaff so far.
He added that the application forms include a clause on accepting the return of state power in the region.
Comment: Today, all provinces in Syria reported a "complete blackout" of electricity (the Russian airbase in Latakia was not affected; they use their own generators). While the investigation into the cause is still ongoing, the Syrian Ministry of Electricity told Sputnik that the Al-Zara power plant of in Hama province came under rebel fire. In Iraq, Kurds are reporting that they have shot down a Turkish helicopter that was shelling them (Turkish government have refused to comment, and Turkish media are ignoring the incident).
Meanwhile, despite the success so far of the U.S.-Russia ceasefire deal in Syria, the U.S. is continuing its irrational and schizophrenic demonization of Russia. Obama has extended sanctions for another year, and the US House Foreign Affairs Committee has passed a resolution accusing Syria, Russia and Iran of war crimes, including widespread torture, rape, massacres, chemical weapons, cluster bombs, barrel bombs, deliberate targeting of bakeries, hospitals, markets and schools. Looks like the hardcore Republicans aren't very happen that the cessation of hostilities is working so far! When in doubt, just blame Putin and Assad for everything that Daesh and the moderate rebels do!