Asked about his and the former UN ambassador's differing world views, Mattis responded, "I hope that there's some different world views. "We are going to sit down together and I look forward to working with him," Mattis said. So I'm not the least bit concerned with that sort of thing," Mattis said. The official said that the pro-regime forces have now taken up positions west of the river but said the coalition would continue to observe them. Asked if the Russians' ability to get the mercenaries to pull back showed that Russia is in control over these types of forces, Mattis responded, "I believe they are."

Source: CNN March 27, 2018 19:41 UTC