Obama Calls Putin to Discuss Syria and Ukraine
U.S. President Barack Obama spoke by phone with President Vladimir Putin of Russia to discuss the decisions and agreements made at the February 11 meeting of the International Syria Support Group (ISSG).
According to a White House statement, Obama stressed the importance of rapidly implementing humanitarian access to besieged areas of Syria and initiating a nationwide cessation of hostilities.
In particular, President Obama emphasized the importance now of Russia playing a constructive role by ceasing its air campaign against moderate opposition forces in Syria.
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According to the statement, the leaders agreed that the United States and Russia will remain in communication on the important work of the ISSG.
Obama also urged combined Russian-separatist forces to fulfill their Minsk obligations, especially adhering to the cease-fire and ensuring that the Special Monitoring Mission of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) has full access to all areas of eastern Ukraine, including the international border.
Obama reiterated the importance of quickly reaching agreement on the modalities for elections in eastern Ukraine that comply with OSCE standards.
Photo courtesy: White House
