BEIRUT (Reuters) - A Syrian rebel spokesman said a Russian-mediated ceasefire agreement in eastern parts of Deraa province includes a withdrawal of government militias from several towns in the south.

Ibrahim Jabawi, the spokesman, said local forces overseen by Russia would take charge of the area.

Jabawi earlier said rebels had agreed on a phased handover of their weapons and the deployment of Russian military police in the area near the Jordanian border as part of the deal.