MOSCOW (AFP) - Russia said it was ready to extend a Syria truce set to run out on Friday (Sept 16) evening for a further 72 hours, despite accusing the United States and rebels of not fulfilling the deal.

"We are prepared to extend the cessation of hostilities for a further 72 hours," senior Russian officer Viktor Poznikhir announced at a televised briefing, adding that Moscow was waiting for Washington to uphold its end of the bargain.

Russia's Defence Ministry said on Friday that only Moscow and the Syrian regime were fulfilling a truce deal hammered out with the United states. "Although the ceasefire agreement is bilateral, only one side is truly implementing it," ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov said in a statement.