Russia hailed on Monday Syria’s decision to allow an Arab League observer mission into the country.
“Moscow has been supporting the Arab League’s initiative on the resolution of the Syrian domestic conflict and welcomes the signing of a document on the League’s observer mission,” the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
Under the deal, signed by Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad in Cairo on Monday, Syria is to withdraw troops from insurgent towns, free thousands of political prisoners, open dialogue with the opposition and allowing observers into the country.
“We believe that the document signed in Cairo, gives an opportunity… to provide protection for all Syrians and to stabilize the situation,” the ministry added.
The Arab peace initiative aims to end eight months of violent unrest.
The United Nations says Assad's crackdown on the protests, inspired by uprisings across the Arab world this year, has killed more than 5,000 people. Authorities blame armed gangs for the violence and say 1,100 soldiers and police have been killed.
