No Russia-US talks on direct Syria cooperation: Kremlin

The Kremlin says there has been no discussion between Russia and the United States on the subject of direct military cooperation in Syria, where both powers are conducting airstrikes.

“The topic of direct military cooperation in the fight against terrorism did not figure” in the talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US Secretary of State John Kerry in Moscow, said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Friday.

The Washington Post had alleged it had obtained a leaked document pointing to the potential of the US asking Russia for direct military cooperation against al-Nusra Front in Syria.

“An exchange of information is occurring but, unfortunately we have not begun real cooperation to significantly improve the effectiveness of efforts in the fight against terrorism,” Peskov said.

Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir said on Thursday any military cooperation between the US and Russia must "lead to a new Syria without Bashar al-Assad in it."

Takfiri groups such as al-Nusra Front are believed to have been getting their support from Saudi Arabia and its allies.

Last month, Washington asked Moscow to stop conducting airstrikes against al-Nusra terrorists in Syria over fears that US-backed groups operating in the country would be hit.

Elsewhere in his Friday remarks, Peshkov said, “Russia’s position regarding Assad’s fate is well-known and has not undergone any kind of change.”

SS