All news

Lavrov, Kerry speak in favor of soonest launch of intra-Syrian talks in Geneva

The sides spoke in favor of the soonest launch of United Nations-brokered talks in Geneva between the Syrian government and the entire spectrum of the opposition
John Kerry (left), Sergey Lavrov Alexander Shcherbak/TASS Archive
John Kerry (left), Sergey Lavrov
© Alexander Shcherbak/TASS Archive

MOSCOW, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and US Secretary of State John Kerry have spoken in favor of the soonest launch of intra-Syrian talks in Geneva, the Russian foreign ministry said on Friday after a telephone conversation between the two countries’ top diplomats.

"The sides discussed the implementation of the Russian-US initiative on a ceasefire in Syria, which excludes anti-terrorist efforts, and United Nations Security Council resolution 2268 adopted in its support and confirms the policy towards further close cooperation between our countries’ military that was approved by the Russian and US presidents," the ministry said.

"The sides spoke in favor of the soonest launch of United Nations-brokered talks in Geneva between the Syrian government and the entire spectrum of the opposition, during which the Syrians are to decide on the future of their country," the ministry said, adding that the conversation was initiated by the US side.

The two top diplomats agreed to "continue active efforts to promote all the aspects of the Syrian settlement via the International Syria Support Group co-chaired by Russia, the United States and the United Nations," the ministry said.

Lavrov and Kerry also exchanged views on the situation in Yemen. "it was decided to invigorate joint efforts towards peace settlement of the Yemeni crisis in support of actions taken by the United Nations," the ministry noted.

Lavrov informed Kerry about the basic results of the recent Paris meeting of the Normandy Four (Russian, France, Germany and Ukraine) foreign ministers on the settlement of the Ukrainian crisis.

"The sides discussed other issues of mutual interest," the ministry added.