Putin Says He And Obama Had A ‘Constructive’ Conversation On Syria

“The president reiterated the importance of quickly reaching agreement on the modalities for elections in eastern Ukraine that comply with OSCE standards”, the White House statement said. But several Western countries have said there is no hope for progress without a halt to the Russian bombing, which has decisively turned the balance of power in favor of Assad after nearly five years of conflict.

The group charges the Russians and their ally in Damascus of having “violated the principles of the human rights global laws which protect the rights to life”.

Mr Valls said his government “respects Russia and Russia’s interests” but “that to re-discover the path to peace, to discussion, the Russian bombing of civilians has to stop”.

Critics have said the deal is hobbled by the fact it does not include “terrorist” groups such as the Islamic State group and the Al-Qaeda affiliate Al-Nusra, leaving room for Russian Federation to continue attacks by claiming it is targeting jihadists.

Secretary of State John Kerry, facing both anger and skepticism from European allies about the willingness of the United States to intervene more deeply in the Syrian civil war, promised on Saturday to help close off the routes migrants were taking to Europe and warned Russian Federation that its military effort to prop up President Bashar Assad of Syria would ultimately fail. Saudi Arabia has sent troops and fighter jets to a Turkish military base ahead of a possible ground invasion of Syria. “Saudi Arabia is sending planes and says, “I can send soldiers for a ground operation when it is necessary”.

The latest condemnations of the airstrikes – led by the United States and France – sparked a warning from Russia’s prime minister Dmitry Medvedev that the world is heading toward a “new period of Cold War”.

Turkey shelled positions held by the main Kurdish militia in northern Syria for a second day today.

“We continue to encourage all parties to focus on this common threat, which has not subsided, and to work towards a cessation of hostilities, as agreed in Munich”, he said. “In general, the Raqqa front is open… starting in the direction of the Tabqa area”, the source said.

Assad said the main aim of a Russian-backed regime offensive in Aleppo province that has prompted tens of thousands of people to flee was to cut the rebels’ supply route from Turkey.