The United States is closely examining the four “de-escalation zones” aimed at reducing violence in Syria, US Defense Secretary James Mattis has said.
In his first remarks on the agreement signed last week by Iran, Russia and Turkey in Kazakhstan, Mattis on Monday warned that the “devil is in the details” and that much required to be worked out by the countries involved.
The deal to create the de-escalation zones in mainly militants-held areas of the country calls for the cessation of hostilities between militant groups and Syrian forces.
Russia, Turkey and Iran are to act as guarantors for the agreement which took effect on Saturday. The deal said the de-escalation zones initially would be established for a period of six months, which could be extended if the three signatory countries agreed.
The Syrian government said on Monday that it would abide by the terms of the initiative, which was proposed by Russia, but militant groups have rejected…