Annan Says Syria Vows to Halt Fighting Thursday Morning

International envoy Kofi Annan said Wednesday he had received a written pledge from the Syrian regime to halt fighting from dawn on Thursday in line with his U.N. and Arab League-backed peace plan.

Annan had received a letter from Syria's foreign minister pledging "to cease all military fighting throughout Syrian territory as of 6:00 am tomorrow, while reserving the right to respond proportionately to any attacks carried out by armed terrorist groups against civilians, government forces or public and private property'," his spokesman said in a statement.

For its part, the Syrian defense ministry said Wednesday that it will cease military operations against rebel fighters from Thursday, state television reported.

"After our armed forces completed successful operations in combating the criminal acts of the armed terrorist groups and enforced the state's rule over its territory, it has been decided to stop these operations from Thursday morning," the television quoted a ministry official it did not identify as saying.

Annan "will continue to work with the Syrian government and the opposition to ensure the comprehensive implementation of the six-point plan," said his spokesman.

"The Joint Special Envoy looks forward to the continued support of relevant countries in this regard."