Kerry, Lavrov Discuss Syria Crisis

Local Editor

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov discussed with his US counterpart John Kerry the crisis in Syria and the need for halting violence as well as the dialogue between the Syrian government and the opposition.

Department of Press and Media at the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement quoted by Russia today site "Both sides exchanged detailed viewpoints on the settlement in Syria in light of halting violence by all sides and launching dialogue between the government and opposition."
The statement added that the two foreign ministers agreed to continue communications regarding Syria and other issues like Democratic Korea, including the possibility of holding a direct meeting between the two sides soon.

For her part, the US State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland said the two spent about a half an hour on the phone talking about the situation in Syria and the North Korean test.
"They also agreed to compare calendars to try to set a first bilateral meeting in the coming weeks," she added.
On Syria, Nuland claimed that both officials discussed the importance of using their respective influence "in support of a viable transition process."

"The secretary underscored the urgency of ending the bloodshed, preventing further deterioration of the institutions of the state, and protecting the rights of all Syrians and helping them to resist extremism and further sectarian strife," she said.

Source: News Agencies, Edited by moqawama.org