Washington, DC - Secretary Kerry spoke today via telephone with Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov on Syria. The Secretary and Foreign Minister Lavrov reaffirmed the importance of extending and solidifying the cessation of hostilities in Syria. They agreed on the urgent need for humanitarian aid to begin flowing.
Secretary Kerry expressed concerns about the repeated and unacceptable delays of humanitarian aid, and emphasized that the United States expects Russia to use its influence on the Asad regime to allow UN humanitarian convoys to reach Aleppo and other areas in need. The Secretary made clear that the United States will not establish the Joint Implementation Center with Russia unless and until the agreed terms for humanitarian access are met.