High Hopes: Syria Truce May Ease Political Process, Refugees' Return

According to a member of the Italian Lega Nord party, generally holding ceasefire in Syria paves way for a political settlement in the country and for the return of displaced Syrians to their homes.

MOSCOW (Sputnik), Svetlana Alexandrova – The generally holding ceasefire in Syria paves way for a political settlement in the country and for the return of displaced Syrians to their homes, a member of the Italian Lega Nord party, told Sputnik Thursday commenting on today's statement made by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Earlier in the day, Putin said in an annual phone-in conference with the nation he hoped that the ongoing ceasefire would lead to a political settlement of the Syria crisis.

"We are supportive of Putin’s initiatives in Syria and believe that a ceasefire in Syria opens prospects for a political process and a settlement and for a return of refugees," Claudio d'Amico said.

Syria has been mired in civil war since 2011, with government forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar Assad fighting numerous opposition factions and extremist groups, such as the Daesh and the Nusra Front, both outlawed in Russia.

A US-Russia-brokered ceasefire came into force across Syria on February 27. It was supported by Damascus, as well as by dozens of opposition groups on the ground.