Washington, Rabi'II 01, 1438, December 30, 2016, SPA -- The US State Department welcomed the signing of a new ceasefire. A spokesman for the department said the US hoped the deal would be "implemented fully and respected by all parties". "Any effort that stops the violence, saves lives, and creates the conditions for renewed and productive political negotiations would be welcome," Mark Toner said. Turkey and Russia are set to act as guarantors to the treaty, which will come into effect at midnight on Thursday. -- SPA 02:10 LOCAL TIME 23:10 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/w301335