Damascus assured its commitment to UN envoy to Syria Kofi Annan’s plan, as the ceasefire was holding for the second day.

Damascus assured its commitment to UN envoy to Syria Kofi Annan’s plan, as the ceasefire was holding for the second day.

In an interview with al-Manar Correspondent, Jihad Makdissi, foreign ministry spokesman, said Syria would facilitate the implementation of the plan.

“From our side, we are committed to Mr. Annan’s plan. We are going to ensure the truce as well as self-restraint to the extreme limit but taking in to consideration the security of our citizens”, Makdissi told Abbas Fneish.

“However, at the same time Mr. Annan has to continue these tours and talks in an effective mechanism in order to talk to those countries which are publicly arming, hosting and threatening”, the spokesman said.

Makdissi also said Damascus would be decisive in what related to security.
“Although the Syrian army will pull out from the towns, however it will not leave these areas relinquished”.

Meanwhile, Annan welcomed the implementation of the ceasefire, saying reports about the situation in Syria were encouraging.

"I am encouraged by reports that the situation in Syria is relatively calm and that the cessation of hostilities appears to be holding", Annan said Thursday in a statement.
Annan also insisted that "all parties have obligations to implement fully the six-point plan."

"What has happened today does not constitute full compliance by the Syrian government," Annan was quoted as saying as he briefed the UN Security Council. "Syrian troops and armour must return to their barracks immediately."