GENEVA, September 12 (Itar-Tass) - Russia hopes that the United States will prefer a peaceful settlement to the Syrian crisis.

“We believe that the solution of the (chemical weapons) problem will make any strikes against Syria unnecessary,” Lavrov said in his opening remarks ahead of his talks with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry.

“I am convinced that our American partners are firmly committed to the peaceful settlement,” Lavrov emphasized.