FROM EIR DAILY ALERT

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Lavrov and Pompeo Conferred on Upcoming Trump-Putin Summit, Syria

July 4, 2018 (EIRNS)—Yesterday, Secretary of State Michael Pompeo and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov conferred by phone on matters relating to the upcoming Trump-Putin summit July 16, on Syria and other matters.

Lavrov confirmed today that he and Pompeo are planning to meet after the summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Helsinki.

“We agreed to choose a date and place right after the meeting of our Presidents in Helsinki, to find ways for the realizations of goals which will be hopefully set at this summit,”

he said. Lavrov said that Pompeo cited his tight schedule as to why the two could not meet personally before the July 16 Presidential summit.

Syria was also discussed, particularly the situation in the southwestern part of the country near the Israeli and Jordanian borders. State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert told reporters yesterday during a regular press briefing, that the U.S. is particularly concerned about the ceasefire situation, given the Syrian army assault on jihadi-held territories in Daraa province, humanitarian aid (which the U.S. is not giving), and safety concerns. She said, “So we’re continuing to have talks with the Russians, we’re continuing to have talks with the Jordanians and express our extreme concern about the situation there.”