Kerry, Lavrov begin Syria talks in Moscow

It refers to US Secretary of State John Kerry’s visit to Russian Federation for the second time in seven months.

Moscow summoned a Turkish military attaché over the incident, telling the official of “potentially disastrous consequences from Ankara’s reckless actions toward Russia’s military continent fighting against worldwide terrorism in Syria”, the Defense Ministry said in a statement.

“What is important to note is that even when there have been differences between us, we have been able to work effectively on specific issues”, Kerry said as he noted the willingness of both sides to cooperate over Syria and Ukraine crises.

Kerry is seeking to prepare the ground for a third round of talks of world powers on Syria but it was not clear if a meeting pencilled in for Friday in NY would go ahead.

“We have made absolutely clear on every level, from the president on down, we are not playing ‘Let’s Make a Deal, ‘ trading Ukraine for Syria”, the State Department official said.

Meanwhile, back in Washington, US President Barack Obama voiced fresh determination to destroy the ISIS, vowing to kill the group’s leaders and win back territory in the Middle East. But the opposition bloc has insisted that Assad step down at the start of any political transition – which has been rejected by the Syrian president and his allies.

The terrorist threat was not limited to Syria as Islamic State was active in Iraq, Yemen and Afghanistan, and Russian Federation expected a “comprehensive discussion” on these issues, he said.

Assad himself appeared to cast doubt on the very idea of peace talks last Friday, saying he would not negotiate with armed groups that he said were backed by the United States and Saudi Arabia.

Yet, much as U.S. policymakers would like Putin to be a pariah, the Russian president has instead become a “sought-after essential partner, including for a lot of American allies”, according to Jatras.

Though Iran’s support for Assad appears to be steadfast, some US officials and Western diplomats believe Russian Federation is reluctant to get more deeply involved in a military campaign in Syria and may be softening. They are also at odds over Ukraine, where Russian Federation is supporting separatists in the east. That cease-fire has become increasingly strained.

Russian Federation was also seeking to continue dialogue with the United States on the part it could play in influencing a settlement of the Ukrainian conflict, Mr Lavrov said.