Russia: Lavrov, Kerry Agree On Need For Truce In Syria

The Russian Foreign Ministry says the country's foreign minister and his U.S. counterpart have discussed upcoming talks on Syria by phone.

The ministry said on February 10 that Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Secretary of State John Kerry agreed on the need for a cease-fire in Syria and the provision of humanitarian aid to blockaded areas.

Kerry and Lavrov are to meet with foreign ministers from Europe and the Middle East in Munich on February 11 in a bid to revive efforts to end the five-year-old war.

UN-brokered peace talks between the Syrian government and opposition broke down in Geneva last week after an offensive by forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad, backed by Russian air strikes, against Western-backed rebels.
[Based on reporting by Reuters, Interfax, and TASS]
 rferl.org
10/2/16
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•  On Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s telephone conversation with US Secretary of State John Kerry . - PRESS RELEASE ...

"On February 10, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov spoke by telephone with US Secretary of State John Kerry, at the latter’s request.

The conversation focused on Syrian settlement in connection with the upcoming meeting of the International Syria Support Group in Munich on February 11. 

The officials concurred on the need to ensure a speedy ceasefire and humanitarian access to all residential areas under seige, and discussed the possibility of harmonising the relevant arrangements in the context of implementing UN Security Council Resolution No. 2254. 

Mr Lavrov and Mr Kerry confirmed that the requirements set out in the resolution for the format and timing of talks between the Syrian government and opposition do not allow for any preconditions or ultimatums."
  [mid.ru]
10/2/16
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