Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Moualem said on Monday that his government would abide by the terms of a Russian plan for "de-escalation" zones so long as rebels also observed it.

Speaking at a televised news conference, he said that rebels involved in the process must help clear areas they control of jihadist factions, including the former Nusra Front, and that the deal's guarantors must help them to do this.

The deal for de-escalation zones was brokered by Russia, with backing from Turkey and Iran, during ceasefire talks in the Kazakh capital Astana last week and came into effect at midnight on Friday, but some fighting has continued in those areas.

Moualem said a separate peace talks process under United Nations auspices in Geneva was not progressing. Local "reconciliation" deals that the government is pursuing with rebels were an alternative to that process, he said.

More at Reuters.