White House spokesman Josh Earnest. Photo: telegraph.co.uk
(VOVworld) - The White House on Thursday left open the possibility of “tactical, practical discussions” with Russia, provided they focused on countering the terror group known as Islamic State. “We would warn them against doubling down on their support for the Assad regime,” said White House spokesman Josh Earnest. The United States strongly opposes Russia's support for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, and the Pentagon last year cut off high-level discussions with Moscow following its annexation of Crimea and intervention in Ukraine.

US Secretary of State John Kerry said on Wednesday Moscow had proposed a military dialogue with Washington on Syria. Kerry also urged Russia to play a constructive role in seeking a political solution for Syria and in the fight against IS.