Obama calls on Russia to end Syria airstrikes

WASHINGTON

U.S. President Barack Obama has called on Russia to stop airstrikes on the moderate opposition in Syria, the White House said Sunday.

“President Obama emphasized the importance now of Russia playing a constructive role by ceasing its air campaign against moderate opposition forces in Syria,” Obama’s office said in a statement recounting a Saturday telephone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The U.S. leader also emphasized the importance of humanitarian access to besieged towns and villages in Syria and launching a suspension of fighting across the country.

Foreign ministers from interested parties, including the U.S. and Russia, brokered an accord in Munich on Thursday night that called for a “cessation of hostilities” within a week and the delivery of aid.

Obama and Putin agreed their countries will remain in contact to discuss the International Syria Support Group’s agreement, the White House said.

Daesh and al-Qaeda’s Syrian affiliate, the Nusra Front, are not protected by the temporary truce, which is set to come into effect Friday.

The conflict in eastern Ukraine was also discussed and Obama said Russia-backed separatists should fulfill their obligations under last year’s Minsk agreement, including adhering to a cease-fire and ensuring international observers have full access.