Russia ratcheted up criticism of Turkey and moved to reinforce its operations in Syria as U.S. President Barack Obama and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation military alliance called for an easing of tensions after Turkey shot down a Russian fighter jet.
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While Russian Federation is backing a new diplomatic effort in Syria, Moscow still refuses to support steps that explicitly call for removing Assad from power.
But Obama did appear to back up Turkey and caution Russian Federation when he said, “They are operating very close to a Turkish border and they are going after moderate opposition that are supported by not only Turkey but a wide range of countries”. The incident underscored the complex military landscape in Syria, where a sprawling cast of countries and rebel groups are engaged on the battlefield and in the skies overhead, sometimes with minimal coordination.
“I will ask President Putin, as I’ve done before … that the strikes must be against Daesh (Islamic State), against terrorism”, Hollande said.
Given the rash of attacks, Obama is now facing increased pressure at home and overseas to ramp up US efforts to destroy the militants.
The State Department also stressed that it does not have a “clear understanding” of the events leading to the Russian plane’s downing.
Obama cautioned that information about the incident was still emerging.
Earnest said the USA would “continue the conversation” with Putin but suggested Obama would make no promises to Hollande during Tuesday’s visit.
During the press conference in the White House East Room, Hollande and Obama spoke of intensifying the battle against ISIS in a show of solidarity, often hugging and shaking hands.
Obama also convened his National Security Council on Tuesday to discuss the response to recent terrorist attacks by the Islamic State group. This is what we must do, all of us, we, Turkey, Russia.
From Washington, Hollande will travel to Moscow for meetings with Putin. The terror group is blamed for the November 13 attacks in Paris that killed 130 people and wounded hundreds more at restaurants, a concert venue and outside a soccer stadium.
“It would also help civilians under attack by the Syrian government”. And he said that near his bed in the White House residence he keeps a photo of Michelle and him kissing in the Luxembourg Gardens.
“If Erdogan becomes involved a cycle of violence, FDI (foreign direct investment), tourism, and relations with the European Union and USA will all be in jeopardy”, risk analysis firm Eurasia Group said in a note. The bill was prompted after one of the Paris attackers was revealed to have entered France under the guise of refuge. “But that’s not enough”.
“We have to let the Vienna process play itself out”, Obama said, referring to an agreement among 17 countries that lays out a timeline for a political transition in Syria. “It is for the local forces to do so”.
“The target was hit” in the nearby city of Tal Afar, a French official said.
Previously, Donald Trump, the GOP presidential front runner, said he would expand the US bombing campaign in Iraq and Syria. Jihadist groups, including ISIS, are fighting for control in some areas of the country, and moderate rebels who oppose Assad are fighting both jihadists and the regime.
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Obama noted progress made by the U.S.- led coalition of 65 nations against the Islamic State.
