Hoyer Statement on Temporary Cessation of Hostilities in Syria

WASHINGTON, DC - House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement today after world leaders from a number of nations announced their agreement to a temporary cessation of hostilities in Syria to deliver humanitarian aid: 

"I welcome this opportunity for humanitarian aid to reach those who desperately need it. But we must be wary of efforts by Russia and the Assad regime to make it appear that they are somehow part of the solution and not part of the problem. For the millions of Syrians who have been displaced by war and are facing hunger and disease, this temporary cessation of hostilities does little to instill hope that their lives will return to normal and that they will be able to enjoy the peace and freedom they deserve.  The question also remains as to which parties are bound by this cessation of hostilities. 

"We must continue to seek a political solution that ends the political repression of the Assad regime, recovers territory taken by ISIL terrorists, and holds accountable those who have committed war crimes. We also need to ensure that Bashar al-Assad and his Russian allies do not exploit this cessation of fighting to make opponents of the regime disappear or worsen the long-term prospects for a political solution by strengthening their military forces in preparation for a new offensive. I want to thank Secretary Kerry for his hard work to push for peace and to ensure that emergency aid can reach those who need it, and I will continue to monitor developments closely and look forward to being briefed by the Administration on how this cessation of hostilities will be implemented."