MOSCOW, January 13. Barack Obama called Vladimir Putin to discuss the situation in Ukraine, in Syria and on the Korean Peninsula.
“On 13 January at the initiative of the American side had a telephone conversation of Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Barack Obama. The heads of state discussed at length the issues of settlement of the conflict in Ukraine, middle East issues with an emphasis on finding ways of resolving the Syrian crisis and the situation on the Korean Peninsula”, – the press-service of the Kremlin.
The Russian head of state emphasized, in particular, “the need for full and strict observance by Kiev of its obligations under the Minsk agreements, including in terms of direct dialogue with the Donbass, agreeing with him of the upcoming changes in the Constitution, local elections, the entry into force of the laws on special status and Amnesty”.
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Both presidents noted “the importance of the forthcoming contacts between the representatives of the two countries on the Ukrainian issue”.
Was “expressed mutual support for the efforts of the United Nations organization at the end of January in Geneva between representatives of Syrian government and a representative delegation of the opposition to achieve a political settlement in Syria in accordance with UN security Council resolution 2254”. Putin “has again focused the need to build a broad coalition to combat “Islamic state” (a group banned in Russia) and other extremist organizations,” stressing “the urgent need for preparation of the lists of terrorist organizations and the rejection of double standards in the classification of certain groups”.
Discussed “some aspects of bilateral contacts in various formats, including the military directed on consolidation of efforts in fighting the menace of terrorism in the middle East”.
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The leaders also called for “de-escalate tensions arising from the crisis in relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran.”
In connection with the statement of the DPRK leadership about conducting tests of the hydrogen bomb, the two presidents noted that, “if this fact is confirmed, it would constitute a flagrant violation of the relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council and must not remain without a tough international response”. While Putin “confirmed the consistent position of Russia in favor of a diplomatic solution to the Korean problem”. “To avoid further escalation of the situation”, the Russian leader expressed the hope that “all countries involved have maintained maximum restraint and has not taken action that can spur military escalation in North East Asia”.
Touched upon other issues of mutual interest. “Talks were Frank and business-like,” – noted in the Kremlin.
