A Russia-backed deal to set up 'de-escalation zones' in mostly opposition-held areas in Syria has come into effect
None
A Russia-backed deal to set up "de-escalation zones" in mostly opposition-held areas in Syria has come into effect.
The implementation of the deal, backed by Turkey and Iran but opposed by Syria's opposition, began at midnight Friday.
The deal lacks specifics. But for the first time in attempts to install a cease-fire in Syria, it envisages armed monitors on the ground. The armed monitors are expected to be from Russia, Iran and Turkey. But it is not yet clear when and where they will deploy. The Russian deal, signed in Astana on Thursday, says maps of the new "de-escalation zones" will be ready by June 4.
The Syrian opposition has criticized the deal, saying it lacks legitimacy. The US was not part of negotiating the deal and it said there is "reason to be cautious."
The UN supports the deal.
The monitoring group Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said there were no reports of violations in the first minutes past midnight.
