Russian, US Officials to Discuss Crisis in Syria

Moscow – New York (ST)_ A source at the Russian Foreign Ministry announced today ( Tuesday) that  Mikhail Bogdanov Russian Deputy  Foreign Minister will discuss with his U.S. counterpart William Burns in London next Thursday developments concerning  the crisis in Syria.

“There is an initial agreement to hold this meeting.” The Russian source said.
Meantime,  Russia Permanent Representative at the UN  Vitaly Churkin announced that a new round of consultations between his country and the US on the crisis in Syria will be held  next week, but simultaneously expressed concern over Washington’s last  decision to provide the opposition with $ 60 million.

Churkin said in  a press conference held on Monday  at the UN premises devoted to marking the Russian presidency of the UN Security Council that Washington’s decision ” takes us away from the road”  leading  to the establishment of dialogue between the government and the opposition.

“We are ready to continue contacts with the US  in connection with the situation in Syria and  another meeting will be held to this effect  between Mikhail Bogdanov and William Burns in Europe , next week.” He noted
The Russian representative  noted  substantial differences between Russia and the US  to resolve the  crisis in Syria.

T. Fateh