‘Visible’ progress in Syria as civilian death toll falls and fragile ceasefire holds

A U.S.-Russia-brokered cease-fire in Syria, now in its sixth day, is largely holding despite sporadic clashes in some areas, a U.N. envoy said Thursday, raising expectations ahead of next week’s planned resumption of Geneva peace talks. Staffan de Mistura spoke as he convened a group monitoring the truce amid hopes of a breakthrough that could pave the way for regular humanitarian aid deliveries. One of the clearest signs the truce is largely holding has been a drastically lower civilian death toll. And in Daraya, a rebel-held town near Damascus, activist Shadi Matar said children could finally enjoy a full day of school.

Before the truce, students would start at 6 a.m. before the barrel bombs start, and the school day would only last two hours. … Now, students are going to class for a full five hours, from 7 a.m. until noon.

Activist Shadi Matar

The cease-fire has become the most promising initiative in years to help end a five-war that has killed at least 250,000 people, driven millions of Syrians to flee the country, and given an opening to militant groups such as the Islamic State. France and Britain said further efforts were needed, calling on Russia to halt attacks on moderate rebel groups in Syria as the country suffered an hours-long nationwide blackout, evidence of the damage nearly five years of war has inflicted.

Tomorrow is an opportunity for the leaders of the U.K., France and Germany to come together … and make very clear to President Putin that we need this ceasefire to hold, to be a lasting one, and to open the way for a real political transition.

British Prime Minister David Cameron’s spokeswoman

Syria ceasefire