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Lavrov, Kerry begin meeting in Lima

The top diplomats are expected to discuss the situation in Syria and primarity in Aleppo, as well as Ukraine and other bilateral issues.

US Secretary of State John Kerry (left), Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov (right) Alexander Shcherbak/TASS

US Secretary of State John Kerry (left), Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov (right)

© Alexander Shcherbak/TASS

LIMA, November 18. /TASS/. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is holding talks in the Peruvian capital Lima with the U.S. Secretary of State, John Kerry.

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As they were getting down to the discussion, they shook hands and exchanged several phrases.
Syria makes up one of the major topics.
"No doubt, Sergei Lavrov and John Kerry will take up the problems related to Syria," the Russian President’s special envoy to the Middle and Africa, Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov said.
"I think they’ll find time for an overview of the entire set of issues with a bearing on Syria," he said. "This is struggle with terrorism, humanitarian problems, and naturally political issues."
Bogdanov also said Lavrov and Kerry are expected to consider a document drafted in the so-called Lausanne format.
In addition, the Russia side will raise the problem of new anti-Russia actions on the part of the outgoing U.S. Administration and the expansion of anti-Russian sanctions. "It’s understandable there’ll be no revision of the anti-Russia policy while Obama is still in office but the problem has again sprung to the agenda in a natural way."
"I’m sure Lavrov will have a principled discussion of the matter with the Secretary of State," Bogdanov said.
The agenda of the discussion also includes the situation around Ukraine. Besides, Lavrov may raise the problem of inappropriate treatment of RT channel staff members by the U.S. Department of State.

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