Syrian government closes in on Daraa

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, which backs opponents of the regime, said it was ready to join any ground operation by the US-led coalition against IS in Syria.

UN Syria envoy Staffan de Mistura declared a “pause” in the tortuous UN-mediated talks to end the war in Syria, postponing them for February 25.

The World Bank on Thursday estimated the war has cost Syria and its neighbors – Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq and Egypt – some $35 billion so far.

“It is past time for them to meet existing obligations and restore the worldwide community’s confidence in their intentions of supporting a peaceful resolution to the Syrian crisis”, Kerry said, addressing the Syrian regime “and its supporters”.

The Kremlin has replied that Turkey is conducting military maneuvers along the border and wants to take advantage of the situation to plan an “invasion” to counter Kurdish groups that have fought against the Islamic State (ISIS) but were excluded from the Geneva peace talks.

“We have agreed that we are engaged in a discussion about how to implement the cease-fire, specifically, as well as some immediate possible confidence-building steps to deliver humanitarian assistance”, Mr. Kerry told reporters in London.

Planes conducted 237 combat sorties, striking 875 “terrorist” targets in the provinces of Aleppo, Latakia, Homs, Hama and Deir Ezzor, the defence ministry said in a statement.

The United States said its contribution this fiscal year would be $890 million. “My mind is not now in London, but in our border – how to relocate these new pepole coming from Syria?”

“Once the supply route was closed, people began to escape to Turkey and, within two days, around 50,000 have piled up near the border”, Nergis said.

There are 13.5 million people in need of support in Syria, the war has affected 4.59 million refugees and resulted in the death of over 250 thousand people.

Its aim is to boost mutual understanding and confidence.

The UN is appealing for almost 8 billion while regional governments are seeking an extra 1.2 billion. Russian Federation is bombarding schools, hospitals – not Daesh positions but only moderate opposition and civilians.

Russian Federation also said it was surprised that representatives of Pentagon, NATO and human rights organizations in Syria did not issue any reaction.

“The balance needs to change at least so it can be equal between the government and the opposition so each side can then make compromises” he added.