France "takes note" of cease-fire in Syria

PARIS, May 5 (KUNA) -- France said on Friday it had "taken note" of the intention to implement a cease-fire in Syria and urged "an effective halt to fighting and violence" in that country.
A statement from the Foreign Ministry said that it had learned of the cease-fire brokered by Russia, Iran and Turkey during the latest round of peace talks in Astana, Kazakhstan.
Paris said that it was waiting for "the consequences of these commitments to be translated in to facts, allowing for free, continuous and unfettered humanitarian access to all the (Syrian) territory, including zones under siege." France also renewed a call that the cease-fire be internationally monitored, which it said was "the only way to avoid a later resurgence of violence." Paris again called for political negotiations in Geneva between the regime and the opposition parties, under UN aegis, to resolve the Syrian conflict.
"Only an authentic political transition, in line with United Nations Security Council resolution 2254, will allow for an end to the Syrian crisis and to defeat terrorism," the Foreign Ministry said. (End) jk.rk