[wanabidii] Press Releases: Secretary Kerry's Call with Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov

You are subscribed to Press Releases for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Press Releases: Secretary Kerry's Call with Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov 02/20/2016 11:52 AM EST Secretary Kerry's Call with Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov Readout Office of the Spokesperson Washington, DC February 20, 2016 The following is attributable to Spokesperson John Kirby: Secretary Kerry spoke by phone today with Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov to discuss the progress made by two UN task forces meeting in Geneva this week. The ministers viewed as promising the work of the humanitarian assistance task force, which was able to coordinate the delivery of food, water and medicine to thousands of Syrians in the majority of those areas identified as most in need by the UN. But they also re-committed themselves to ensuring that additional access be forthcoming immediately and that future deliveries be conducted in a sustained and unimpeded manner. Secretary Kerry and Foreign Minister Lavrov also discussed the progress made by the other task force in developing a draft set of modalities for a cessation of hostilities. Those modalities are not yet fully agreed upon, but both ministers appreciated the scope and attention to detail task force members applied in drafting them. The Secretary ‎expressed his hope that a full cessation of hostilities could be achieved in the shortest timeframe possible. Secretary Kerry also restated his deep concern over the indiscriminate nature of continued bombing by Russian military aircraft and the lives being lost as a result. The United States continues to call for all sides to abide by international obligations to avoid civilian casualties, and that responsibility lies first and foremost with the Asad regime and its supporters. The Office of Website Management, Bureau of Public Affairs, manages this site as a portal for information from the U.S. State Department. External links to other Internet sites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views or privacy policies contained therein. Stay connected with the State Department:       External links found in this content or on Department of State websites that go to other non-Department websites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views or privacy policies contained therein.  Update your subscriptions, modify your password or email address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page. You will need to use your email address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please visit subscriberhelp.govdelivery.com. This service is provided to you at no charge by U.S. Department of State. This email was sent to wanabidii@googlegroups.com using GovDelivery, on behalf of: U.S. Department of State · 2201 C Street NW · Washington, DC 20520