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Lavrov, Kerry discuss organization of talks between Syrian govt, opponents

The sides also discussed other urgent international issues and problems on the bilateral agenda
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and US Secretary of State John Kerry AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, Pool, archive
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and US Secretary of State John Kerry
© AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, Pool, archive

MOSCOW, January 30. /TASS/. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and US Secretary of State John Kerry on Saturday discussed by phone issues of organizing talks in Geneva between representatives of the Syrian government and its opponents in order to settle the conflict in the country, the Russian Foreign Ministry told TASS.

The phone conversation took place on the US side’s request.

"In line with requirements of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2254, the necessity was stressed to substantively consider during inclusive intra-Syrian dialogue the issues of fight against terrorism, humanitarian situation relief, including delivery of aid to civilians in besieged areas, as well as preparation of political reforms on the basis of mutual consent of the Syrian sides," the statement said.

It said the sides "agreed to assess the course of talks in Geneva at a regular meeting of the International Syria Support Group in Munich February 11."

The sides also discussed other urgent international issues and problems on the bilateral agenda.

Earlier, Kerry said the United States welcomes the decision of Syria’s oppositional Supreme Committee on Negotiations to adopt the invitation to come to Geneva to take part in the intra-Syrian dialogue.

In turn, US Department of State spokesman John Kirby called on Russia to influence the government of Syrian President Bashar Assad to make the country’s authorities ensure that the residents obtain humanitarian aid.

Talks between the government and opposition of Syria, called upon to find a solution to end the bloody conflict started January 29 in Geneva.