(Image source: Sky News )

 

BY EMOKE BEBIAK

 

A highly fragile cease-fire is now in effect in Syria. Even though most cities have been quiet since the 6 a.m. deadline on Thursday, the International Business Times reports ...

 

“Hours after the UN-brokered ceasefire was agreed between pro Assad troops and rebels, activists in Syria have reported several violations of the cease-fire...”

 

The International Business Times adds the reports are based on activist videos posted online and hence are unverified. A reporter for CNN says it is hard to assess the situation, but the fact that there even is a cease fire is a positive sign.

 

“The fact that there is a cease-fire is an indication that the government is under a huge amount of pressure to change its tactics and it cannot continue with this course.”

 

A blogger for The Telegraph writes, after President Bashar al-Assad’s brutal breakdown in the past months, the truce can actually benefit the government. The blogger says...

 

“Now that Assad has largely achieved his military goals, the status quo serves his interests. So it makes sense for him to freeze the present situation with a ceasefire. If the rebels try to challenge this, Assad can blame them for breaking the agreement.”

 

The cease-fire is the first stage of UN envoy Kofi Annan’s six-step peace plan. Sky News reports , besides the reported sporadic violence, the Syrian government isn’t complying with the plan on another key point.

 

“The other big violation is of course the tanks and the snipers are still right in heart of urban area and they’re meant to be withdrawn.”

 

Despite the failure to withdraw troops, the Syrian government claims the fighting is over. Jewish news website Arutz Sheva writes the government is already urging refugees to return.

 

“The Ministry said in a statement that with the implementation of the ceasefire in the country, calm had returned to Syria, and there was no reason for anyone to remain a refugee.”

 

According to the website, the statement advises refugees to simply ignore news about continuing violence, calling them “false reports.” But refugees are pessimistic about Assad’s promise to comply with the UN. Here’s what a Syrian man living in a Turkish refugee camp tells euronews .

 

“His words are all gibberish. This ceasefire won’t last long. Assad has been promising this for a year. I don’t think he’ll withdraw either his tanks or his troops.”

 

Activists are calling for major protests on Friday, which will test the government’s willingness to keep the cease-fire.