PRESS RELEASE

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Obama Throws Cold Water on Syria Negotiations with Russia; Putin Contradicts Him

Sept. 5, 2016 (EIRNS)—Obama threw cold water on the U.S.-Russian negotiations on Syria yesterday, when he told the press that

"If we do not get some buy-in from the Russians on reducing the violence and easing the humanitarian crisis, then it’s difficult to see how we get to the next phase,"

the Wall Street Journal reported.

But Putin told journalists today,

"I believe it is premature now to talk about any parameters of our agreements. Nevertheless, I very much hope that if agreements are reached—and I have reason to believe that this could happen within the next few days—then we will be able to say that our collaboration with the US in fighting terrorist organisations, including in Syria, will significantly improve and intensify,"

as reported on the Kremlin website.

Kerry and Lavrov have been meeting and negotiating on the sidelines of the Hangzhou summit.