U.S. and Russian militaries launch talks on Syria

Lavrov proposed a “military-to-military conversation and meeting in order to discuss the issue of precisely what will be done to deconflict with respect to any potential risks that might be run and have a complete and clear understanding as to the road ahead and what the intentions are”, Kerry told reporters at a joint State Department news conference with South Africa’s foreign minister.

For the USA officials, “if they cooperate with the Syrian army, this is like recognition of our effectiveness in fighting ISIS”, Assad said, using another acronym for the group.

US Secretary of Defense Ash Carter and Russia’s Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu spoke by telephone, spokesmen from their ministries said. Kerry said he personally thought the idea was a good one, but stressed that the administration was still weighing its merits.

If such a request is made, it will be “discussed and considered”, Peskov said. “Both the secretary and the minister agreed to continue their dialogue”. “It is vital to avoid misunderstandings, miscalculations (and) not to put ourselves in a predicament where we are supposing something and the supposition is wrong”.

Russia, which is building up a military presence in Syria, was quick to say that Moscow was also ready for talks with the United States.

For a year, the United States and a coalition of Western and Arab allies have been carrying out air strikes against Islamic State jihadists. Assad has said that Russian Federation will never abandon him.

“Obviously, there are questions about that”, he said. “If Russian Federation is only focused only on ISIL and if there is a capacity for cooperation … there still is a way to get a political negotiation and outcome”, the secretary said.

As Reuters notes: “Heavy Russian equipment such as tanks and helicopters, as well as naval infantry forces, have recently been moved to Latakia, an Assad stronghold, USA officials say”.

Washington, which has seen Assad as the cause of the Syrian crisis, has been concerned by an ongoing Russian military buildup in Syria and warned Moscow that it could further destabilize the situation.

Activist group Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently said on its Twitter feed that “regime jets” had mounted more than 12 raids on the city, which is a major base for Islamic State in Syria, and listed eight targets.

Asked earlier this month if Russian Federation could send troops into Syria to help fight the IS, he answered that “we are looking at various options”.