Macron, Trump urge for immediate respect for Syria's ceasefire

French President Emmanuel Macron and his US counterpart Donald Trump have agreed on the immediate implementation of ceasefire accord in Syria, the French presidency said on Friday.

In a phone conversation on Thursday, both leaders "decided to work together for the implementation of resolution 2401 to allow the cessation of hostilities, the delivery of humanitarian aid, and the evacuation of the wounded and sick," the Elysee said, Xinhua reported.

The French President reiterated that Paris would have a "firm response" in coordination with Washington if the investigation into Syrian forces' use of toxic gas against civilians proved that this was true.

Last Saturday, the UN's Security Council voted on a resolution calling for a 30-day truce in Syria after Syrian forces launched their most intense shelling in an effort to eliminate Al Qaeda-linked groups in eastern Ghouta, the last main rebel-held zone.

Hundreds were killed in what was one of the deadliest offensives of the years-long war.

--IANS

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