国际英语新闻:Western leaders hope Syria accord to take effect "as soon as possible"

PARIS, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- Leaders of France, Germany, the United States and Britain on Tuesday hoped the accord to end hostilities in Syria would take effect "as soon as possible," French presidential office, the Elysee said.

French President Francois Hollande spoke with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, his American counterpart and British Premier David Cameron about the situation in Syria.

The four leaders stressed the necessity to end the humanitarian crisis mainly in Aleppo by calling on Syrian officials and allies to contribute on the implementation of measures aimed at facilitating access to humanitarian aid, according to the statement.

They also asked for rapid negotiations to prepare "an effective political transition," it added.

On Tuesday, Syrian government and rebel groups have accepted a plan for a cessation of hostilities to begin on Saturday as agreed upon by the United States and Russia.