Iran welcomes ceasefire in Syria

Syria's key ally Iran on Thursday welcomed a ceasefire during a Muslim holiday due to start on Friday morning, dubbing it "a positive step," the state broadcaster's website reported.

"The announcement of a ceasefire by the Syrian army is a positive step and worthy of praise," Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi told his Syrian counterpart Walid Muallem in a telephone conversation. (AFP)