US Secretary of State John Kerry on Wednesday welcomed the Syrian army’s declaration of a 72-hour ceasefire but said he was working with Russia and others to transform it into a lasting truce.

US Secretary of State John Kerry on Wednesday welcomed the Syrian army's declaration of a 72-hour ceasefire but said he was working with Russia and others to transform it into a lasting truce.

"We very much welcome the Syrian army's declaration of a period of quiet in celebration of Eid. We very much hope it will be honored by all parties," Kerry told reporters during a visit to ex-Soviet Georgia.

The Syrian army said Wednesday it was observing a 72-hour ceasefire across the country coinciding with Eid al-Fitr, the festival marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan.