WASHINGTON (AP) – President Barack Obama sounded a cautious note Wednesday about steps the U.S. and Russia are taking to put in place a cease-fire to help end the Syrian civil war, while citing progress in pushing the Islamic State group out territory in Iraq and some parts of Syria.
Obama’s comments came after meeting with Jordan’s King Abdullah II at the White House, where the two leaders said the political process and taking the fight to IS are their top priorities in Syria. The cease-fire is set to take effect Saturday, but does not cover IS.
“We are very cautious about raising expectations on this,” Obama said. “The situation on the ground is difficult.”
Jordan is a key partner with the U.S. in the campaign to defeat IS and the effort to resolve the 5-year-old war in neighboring Syria.
Obama said that halting hostilities will allow the U.S. and its partners, including Russia, to focus on IS. He said Russia is not now pursuing the militants.
Obama also said the leaders talked about how to help Syrian refugees, including more than 630,000 in Jordan. Obama said the United States is the leading contributor to help house and provide basic care for the refugees.
“As they continue to be open to helping people in need, they will have a strong partner in the United States,” Obama said of Jordan.