KUWAIT CITY, Feb. 25 (Xinhua) -- The Kuwaiti emir expressed Sunday hope that the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolution would mark a new phase of peace and stability in Syria and the region.
The Emir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah thanked all UNSC member countries, especially the five permanent members, for their "positive and constructive positions and their approval on draft resolution."
Commending the "great success of Kuwait diplomacy," the emir thanked Kuwaiti Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, Kuwait's UN ambassador Mansour Al-Otaibi and Kuwait Mission members for efforts leading to adoption of the resolution on Syria.
UNSC on Saturday unanimously adopted a resolution demanding a cease-fire of at least 30 days across Syria that would allow humanitarian access and urgent medical evacuation.
According to Resolution 2401, drafted by Kuwait and Sweden, the cease-fire does not apply to military operations against terrorist groups in Syria designated by the Security Council.
The resolution also demands the immediate lifting of sieges on populated areas, including Eastern Ghouta, the last major rebel stronghold, which has seen heavy bombardment in the past week.