U.S. says it’s prepared to extend Syria’s splintered cease-fire

The U.S. says it’s prepared to extend Syria’s fractured cease-fire despite numerous violations and the Syrian military’s announcement that the truce is over.

The State Department said Monday that it was ready to work with Russia to strengthen the terms of the agreement and expand deliveries of humanitarian aid.

Spokesman John Kirby noted the Syrian announcement but stressed that the cease-fire arrangement was agreed by the United States and Russia. He says Russia, which is responsible for ensuring Syria’s compliance, should clarify the Syrian position.

Kirby says that although there were truce violations by all sides, the level of violence overall had been reduced over the past week.