THE United Nations Security Council is to vote on a resolution endorsing the ceasefire in Syria and reinforcing support for a road map to peace, starting with a transitional government.
The Russian-sponsored draft resolution, scheduled for a Saturday vote, calls for "rapid, safe and unhindered" access to deliver humanitarian aid throughout the country.
It also looks forward to a meeting in late January between the Syrian government and opposition in Kazakhstan's capital Astana "as an important part of the Syrian-led political process facilitated by the United Nations".
Russia and Turkey, which brokered the ceasefire, are on opposing sides of the Syrian conflict.
Moscow, along with Iran, provides crucial military support to Syrian president Bashar Assad, while Turkey has long served as a rear base and source of supplies for the rebels.
Divisions in the Security Council between Russia and the veto-wielding Western powers – the US, Britain and France who support the moderate opposition and demand that Assad steps down – have blocked action to end the war, now in its sixth year.
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