Manama, Rabi' II 1, 1438, December 30, 2016, SPA -- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bahrain welcomed comprehensive Cease-fire in Syria and affirmed that cessation of fighting operations is a significant step towards a move to the phase of a political settlement to the Syrian crisis. The ministry expressed hope all sides would observe the cease-fire to ensure a transition to a political settlement and called to exert more concerted international efforts and cooperation to speed up ending the crisis and reach a peaceful political solution on the basis of the first Geneva Conference, preserve Syria’s territorial integrity and strong institutions and ensure security, stability and prosperity for the brotherly Syrian people. -- SPA 17:24 LOCAL TIME 14:24 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/w301630