Lavrov, Kerry : Furnishing the Ground for Geneva 2 on Syria

WASHINGTON,(ST)_ Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and his U.S. counterpart John Kerry underlined the importance of achieving a political solution to the crisis in Syria, stressing the need to make efforts that furnish the ground to hold the next international conference on Syria in Geneva , as conducive to that solution.

In a joint news conference today with both Kerry and defense ministers , the Russian Sergei Shoigu and American Chuck Hagel in Washington , Lavrov said that “The Syrian issue ranks first in the list of our priorities, we emphasize the need to launch the political process and to hold the international conference on Syria, Geneva 2.”

“The obligation to cooperate in order to combat terrorism not only in Syria but in other areas is the most important thing that the next international conference in Geneva will deal with , ” Lavrov underlined, noting that other files will be discussed, such as Afghanistan , the nuclear program of Iran and the DPRK.

Lavrov stressed the need to strive “to avoid undermining security and stability , the spread of weapons of mass destruction  seek peaceful solutions for all crises of the international community and the adoption of political and peaceful solutions ” pointing out that Russia ” like the US wants to see things returning to normal even in Egypt, therefore the meeting of Moscow and Washington falls on the course of joint responsibility of both countries.”

Lavrov explained that during today ‘s meeting, “shed light was made on laying a strong foundation for future work, which will enable the two countries to strengthen cooperation in other areas,” pointing out that the two sides would discuss “international issues, international security and defense missile.”

For his part, U.S. Secretary of State stressed that, whatever the Russian and US views on the subject of the crisis in Syria, “the final answer is the negotiating political solution,” adding that the Geneva Conference 2 is “a step toward that solution.”

“Although I and my colleague Lavrov do not fully agree about the responsibility of the bloodshed and the road to safety, we both in our two countries agree that to avoid the institutional collapse and chaos in Syria, solution of Syia, the final answer is the negotiating political solution and that Geneva Conference 2 is a step towards that solution.” Kerry said.

“I look forward to a very frank and strong discussion on these issues and we welcome the Russian delegation in Washington, and look forward to fruitful meetings and full talks.” Kerry added.

For his part, the Russian Defense Minister said that the Russian-American meeting today, “allowed debating issues of mutual concern, such as Syria and Afghanistan in addition to bilateral cooperation and means of boosting it ” explaining “the need for more transparency.”

“We started talking about defense missile which should be discussed in a detailed way , and I would like to thank the American fellows on the organization of this meeting,” he said, adding, “We want to complete the big issues and events hosted by Russia in the presence of US colleagues.”

The U.S. defense secretary also underlined that discussing common issues between Russia and the United States needs to be done “in a clear, direct and impartial manner and to find common factors that can be built upon in order to move forward to help solve the serious issues on time .

T. Fateh