US, Russia achieve 'clarity' on new Syrian truce

By IANS English

Updated: Saturday, August 27, 2016, 15:29 [IST]

Geneva, Aug 27: US Secretary of State John Kerry told press on Friday (Aug 26) that talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov had made much headway, with minor details remaining to be addressed in view of brokering a new truce for war-torn Syria.

"Today I can say that we achieved clarity on the path forward," Xinhua quoted Kerry as saying.

us russia — US Secretary of State John Kerry and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov share a light moment after their meeting in Geneva, Switzerland, on Friday, August 26, 2016. The United States and Russia said on Friday they had resolved a number of issues standing in the way of restoring a nationwide truce to Syria and opening up aid deliveries but were unable once again to forge a comprehensive agreement on stepping up cooperation to end the brutal war that has killed hundreds of thousands. AP/ PTI

"We have completed the vast majority of those technical discussions which were primarily focused on making this cessation of hostilities real, and improving the level of humanitarian assistance, thereby getting the parties to the table so we can have a serious negotiation about how to end this war," he added.

Lavrov also confirmed that the long day of meetings in a luxurious hotel in Geneva had enabled both delegations to make progress.

"We still need to finalise minor issues, that is why our experts will continue in Geneva next week," he said.

IANS