Russia: Syrian Forces Cease Fire       05/19 08:49

   MOSCOW (AP) -- Russia says Syrian government forces have unilaterally ceased 
fire in the northern Idlib province, the last major rebel stronghold.

   Fighting erupted in Idlib late last month, effectively shattering a 
cease-fire negotiated by Russia and Turkey that had been in place since 
September. Russia has firmly backed President Bashar Assad's government in the 
eight-year civil war, while Turkey has supported the opposition.

   In a brief statement on Sunday, the Russian Defense Ministry's Center for 
Reconciliation of the Warring Sides in Syria said government forces had ceased 
fire as of midnight. It described the move as unilateral, but did not give 
details.


(KA)