Lavrov: Avoiding Further Harm to US-Russia Relations Necessary
Local Editor
The Russian Foreign Minister has said it is "absolutely necessary" to avoid steps that could further harm the ailing relations between Russia and the US. He spoke at a media briefing following lengthy talks with his US counterpart.
US Secretary of State John Kerry made his official visit to Sochi on Tuesday, the first visit by a senior American official to Russia since the start of the Ukrainian turmoil in 2014 and the resulting plummet in relations between Moscow and Washington.
Addressing the media after the talks, both diplomats stressed that they were on common ground with regards to many issues, including the situation in Syria and the threat of "ISIL" terrorists in the region, as well as the Iranian nuclear deal. They also discussed the developing conflict in Yemen.
John Kerry thanked Russian President Vladimir Putin for the "directness" he showed during the talks, and the "detailed explanation of Russia's position" on the issues that are causing divisions.
The two diplomats admitted they were having a number of disagreements over the Ukrainian conflict, but both agreed on one thing: that February's Minsk peace roadmap is the best way to solve the crisis, and that diplomacy is the only way to peace.
When asked about Ukrainian President Poroshenko's recent vows to recapture the Donetsk airport, John Kerry said he had not read Poroshenko's exact speech. He did, however, say that he would warn Poroshenko against inciting new hostilities.
"During the talks, Russia's top diplomat stressed that the current crisis in relations between the two nations is not Russia's fault. According to a foreign ministry press release," Lavrov said that Russia is ready to work with the US, but only as an equal partner, "without attempts of dictate and coercion".
During the media briefing, John Kerry said sanctions against Russia would be rolled back "if and when" all of the points of the Minsk deal are implemented in Ukraine.
Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team
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