Syrian Opposition Should Avoid al-Nusra Front - Official

Syrian opposition groups should commit to the US-Russia brokered ceasefire and avoid terror groups like al-Nusra Front, Ranking US Senate Foreign Relations Committee member Ben Cardin said in a statement on Monday.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — Cardin noted that, although he was skeptical that Russia could influence Syrian President Bashar Assad’s air force to adhere to the ceasefire, he believed the United States should test the commitment.

"I urge the Syrian opposition to commit to the ceasefire and distance itself from Nusra Front," Cardin stated.

Ultimately, Cardin said he supports efforts that would allow the parties to return to political talks to end the civil war in Syria.

On Friday, US Secretary of State John Kerry and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov announced a new plan aimed at reducing violence in Syria, which includes a week-long ceasefire that is expected to evolve into a permanent cessation of hostilities.

After seven continuous days of adhere to the ceasefire, Kerry said the United States and Russia will work together in a Joint Implementation Center to defeat al-Nusra Front and Daesh terror groups.

The ceasefire began at sundown in Syria on Monday.