WASHINGTON, D.C.: The United States is prepared to work with Russia on establishing “no-fly zones” in Syria as part of a joint effort to stabilize the war-ravaged country, America’s top diplomat said Wednesday, ahead of President Donald Trump’s first face-to-face with Vladimir Putin. In a wide-ranging statement, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said Russia had a “special responsibility” to help create stability on the ground — or risk hobbling the fight against the Islamic State group. Citing their past cooperation on the creation of deconfliction zones in Syria, Tillerson made a strong case for both countries — in spite of their “unresolved differences on a number of issues” — to work together in Syria. “The United States is prepared to explore the possibility of establishing with Russia joint mechanisms for ensuring stability, including no-fly zones, on the ground ceasefire observers, and coordinated delivery of humanitarian assistance,” he said. The United States launched a cruise missile attack on a Syrian air base in April in response to what it said was a government chemical weapons attack on civilians.

Source: Manila Times July 06, 2017 02:03 UTC