WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — On Monday, Russia and the United States announced an agreement on cessation of hostilities between the Syrian government of President Bashar Assad and the armed opposition factions had been reached. The agreement will come into force on February 27.
"There is a significant discussion taking place now about a Plan B in the event that we do not succeed at the [negotiating] table," Kerry said of the prospective ceasefire.
Kerry explained that while he understands the formidable challenges ahead, "this is the moment to try to see whether or not we can make this work, not to find ways to preordain its failure."
Members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee pressed Kerry to elaborate on the consequences to a party that violates the prospective Syrian ceasefire.
The ISSG is a 17-member body, including Iran, Saudi Arabia and all the permanent members of the United National Security Council. The group previously negotiated a political transition process, including attempts to establish talks between the Syrian government and the country's opposition.