SATURDAY, JUN 22, 2013 22:26:16
Russian President Vladimir Putin and his US counterpart Barack Obama have discussed the Syrian conflict in a meeting on the sidelines of the G8 summit in Northern Ireland. “Our positions do not fully coincide, but we are united by the common intention to end the violence and to stop the number of victims increasing in Syria,” Putin said. “We agreed to push the process of peace talks and encourage the parties to sit down at the negotiation table, organise the talks in Geneva.”
Obama conceded that they have a different perspective on Syria, but they have a shared interest in stopping the violence and securing chemical weapons in the country.
The central disagreement is over the fate of Assad, Ben Rhodes, deputy national security adviser for strategic communications, was quoted as telling reporters. Washington believes that any transition in Syria must involve Assad leaving power, while the Moscow doesn’t agree.
Obama also said the US would provide an additional $300 million in humanitarian aid to provide for food, shelter and medical care for those affected by the war.
Putin was pressured by G8 leaders to tone down his support for Assad.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said the Syrian opposition must not set preconditions for attending the peace conference proposed by Moscow and Washington, suggesting sticking points remained.
Renewed diplomatic tension over Syria stems from the decision two weeks ago by the United States to step up military aid to the rebels, including automatic weapons, light mortars and rocket-propelled grenades. europe on line
Obama conceded that they have a different perspective on Syria, but they have a shared interest in stopping the violence and securing chemical weapons in the country.
The central disagreement is over the fate of Assad, Ben Rhodes, deputy national security adviser for strategic communications, was quoted as telling reporters. Washington believes that any transition in Syria must involve Assad leaving power, while the Moscow doesn’t agree.
Obama also said the US would provide an additional $300 million in humanitarian aid to provide for food, shelter and medical care for those affected by the war.
Putin was pressured by G8 leaders to tone down his support for Assad.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said the Syrian opposition must not set preconditions for attending the peace conference proposed by Moscow and Washington, suggesting sticking points remained.
Renewed diplomatic tension over Syria stems from the decision two weeks ago by the United States to step up military aid to the rebels, including automatic weapons, light mortars and rocket-propelled grenades. europe on line
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