Russia-US talks on Syria crisis begins

The US and Russian foreign ministers are in Geneva and have started “tensed” talks on Syria crisis.

09:54 13 September 2013

Following weeks of debate on Syria crisis, the US and Russian foreign minister have started crucial talks in Geneva to discuss plans to place Syria’s chemical weapons under international control.

 

However, based on initial reports, it seems that the two government officials are at odds early on. They both laid out sharply different positions on the matter on Thursday when the talks officially begun. 

 

US secretary of state, John Kerry, have reiterated Obama’s administrations stance on Syria conflict. He said that the administration has “high expectations for a diplomatic solution” but that “only the credible threat of force” had pushed Syria to consider giving up its weapons.

 

He added: “Should diplomacy fail, force might be necessary. There ought to be consequences if it does not take place.”

 

Meanwhile, Russia said that the only way that Syrian Leader Bashar al-Assad would consider placing chemical weapons under international control is if US will withdraw its threat of air strikes. 

 

Mr Kerry said: "This is not a game. It has to be real, it has to be comprehensive, it has to be verifiable, it has to be credible, it has to be... implemented in a timely fashion. Finally, there ought to be consequences if it doesn't take place."