Putin Discusses Syria and Ukraine with Obama
Russian President Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation Monday with the U.S. President Barack Obama.
The two leaders exchanged assessments of the course of implementing the statement by Russia and the United States, as co-chairs of the International Syria Support Group, on cessation of hostilities in Syria.
The leaders stated that the Russian-US initiative, supported by UN Security Council Resolution 2268, has allowed for a sharp decrease in the scale of bloodshed on Syrian land.
Putin told Obama that after fulfilling the primary objectives set before the Russian Armed Forces in the fight against international terrorism, a decision was made to withdraw the main part of the Russian Aerospace Forces troops. This will certainly serve as a good signal to all conflicting sides and create conditions for the start of a true peace process, Putin observed.
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The heads of state noted the importance of full coordination of efforts between representatives of Russia and the United States, including on military matters, to preserve the truce and ensure provide humanitarian assistance to besieged towns, as well as effectively fighting terrorist groups.
The presidents called for intensification of the political process for settling the Syrian conflict, expressing support for the talks between the Government of Syria and the opposition, which have started in Geneva under the auspices of the UN, following which the Syrian people should determine the future setup of their state themselves.
In a separate conversation with Putin, President of Syria Bashar al-Assad said that he is ready to help organise a political settlement in the country as soon as possible.
In discussing the situation in Ukraine, Putin stressed the need for complete fulfilment of the Minsk Agreements by the Ukrainian authorities. The leaders confirmed their intent to continue work with the parties to the conflict in the interest of settling it.
Photo courtesy: Kremlin
