The United States and Russian Federation have failed to reach an agreement on military co-operation and a cessation of hostilities in Syria. “We want a pause for 48 hours”, he said.
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During a press conference in Geneva where he met Lavrov, Kerry said that the only way forward for the Syrian people was to negotiate a political resolution to the conflict.
The U.S. and Russian Federation have also discussed a proposal under which Russian Federation would ground Syria’s air force in exchange for intelligence about Nusra’s location for coordinated air strikes.
A key concern for Russian Federation is the fact that the Nusra Front- which recently changed its name to Jabhat Fatah al-Sham – has in many cases teamed up with moderate rebels that the US supports.
De Mistura had voiced hope of bringing the warring parties back to the negotiating table by the end of August, but that deadline looks sure to slip in the face of intense fighting on the ground. “The Obama administration correctly perceives this as the last best chance to ease the killing during this administration and are, therefore, willing to swallow a bitter pill and get more onboard with the Russian initiative than they would have liked to in an ideal world”.
USA -backed Syrian Kurdish fighters say they are withdrawing to their bases east of the Euphrates River after Turkey’s military and allied fighters launched a cross-border offensive.
“I think in the nearest time we will present the fruits of our joint efforts”, Lavrov said.
The U.S. Secretary of State also referred to the recent visit of USA vice president Joe Biden to Ankara that angered Syrian Kurds for calling on the Kurdish forces to withdraw from Manbij, and supporting the Turkish operation in Jarabulus.
The talks have been complicated since initial meetings in July by new government attacks on opposition groups, and a significant offensive in Aleppo led by opposition fighters intermingled with the Nusra Front, an al Qaeda affiliate.
Unlike Russia, the United States acts in the Levantine country without the approval of the Syrian government and without the approval of the UN Security Council. Recent developments include military operations around the city of Aleppo, the entry of Turkey into the ground war, Turkish hostility toward US -backed Kurdish rebel groups and the presence of American military advisers in widening conflict zones.
“I’m convinced the Kurds should have a full-fledged representation in that process, should remain an integral part of the Syrian state and be part of a solution to the problem”, Lavrov said. If you would like to discuss another topic, look for a relevant article.
The most immediate concern of all sides is the need for humanitarian aid for millions of civilians in the besieged city of Aleppo, which has been the focal point of fighting much of the year.
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