英语文摘:Russia asks for U.S. action for joint truce control mechanism in Syria

MOSCOW, March 21 (Xinhua) -- Russia on Monday urged action from the United States for a joint mechanism to monitor the cease-fire in Syria, saying some militant groups are violating the truce.

Delay in the development of such a mechanism would be "counterproductive" and Russia would have to take unilateral actions against the militants in violation of the cease-fire regime, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

Russia proposed on Feb. 25 a joint mechanism with the United States to monitor the implementation of truce in Syria, but Washington has not responded, according to Russia.

Earlier in the day, Lt. Gen. Sergey Rudskoi of the Russian General Staff said Moscow would unilaterally monitor the cease-fire in Syria as from Tuesday if the United States fails to respond to its proposal.