WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following statement regarding the cessation of hostilities in Syria: 

“I welcome the agreement on terms for a cessation of hostilities in Syria that were concluded today,” said Senator Cardin. 

“It is past time for full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2254, which calls for an end to aerial bombardments and immediate, unfettered humanitarian access to besieged areas.  For too long the Assad regime has been permitted to ignore UN Security Council Resolutions and terrorize the Syrian people. The international community must come together and insist on full compliance with Resolution 2254 and the terms of the cessation of hostilities. 

“This cease fire also provides Russia the opportunity to back up its words with action by actually targeting ISIL instead of moderate opposition forces on the ground in Syria. 

“I also call on the international community to insist on accountability for war crimes committed by all parties in Syria, including the Assad regime.”