Russia will help the U.S. solve the Syrian crisis -- but only on the basis of existing agreements: Lavrov
Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov has said that Moscow will help the United States solve the crisis in Syria but only on the basis of existing agreements.
"[The United States] is trying to impose on us responsibility for a great deal that is going on in Syria and in Ukraine. But at the same time they come to us and ask us to help solve the problem in Syria and to ensure a cease fire," Lavrov said in an interview with Moskovsky Komsomolets.
Lavrov said that Washington's "rhetoric" was accompanied by "a very pragmatic approach to us with a request for help. We are ready, but we will rely, of course, on the principles and concrete agreements that have been secured regarding Ukraine and the Syrian [political] settlement."
Kurds must participate in Syria peace talks: Lavrov
Kurds must participate in the Syria peace talks and only Turkey wants to exclude them from negotiations, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has said.
"The Turks have openly said that we have spoiled their hand. And now they are trying to pillory the Americans too. The President of Turkey, Erdogan, demanded that Washington choose either the Kurds or Turkey. The answer has already come from Washington (so far anonymously) that the Kurds, including the Syrian Democratic Union Party, which the Turks associate with terrorism, are Washington's partners in the fight against IS," Lavrov said.
"We are also working with them. The fact that they are excluded from the Syrian talks is the exclusive arrogant position of Turkey, that is not shared with anyone else."
WATCH: Displaced Syrians at the Turkish border after fleeing Aleppo fighting
This footage of displaced Syrians near the Bab al-Salameh border crossing with Turkey was uploaded on Feb. 8. Syrian refugees are waiting near the border -- which remains closed -- after fleeing a government offensive in northern Aleppo province.
UN fears Aleppo assault could cut off 300,000 civilians
The UN fears that as many as 300,000 civilians could be cut off from food supplies if Syrian forces encircle rebel-held parts of the city.
A road from Turkey used by the World Food Programme to reach eastern Aleppo with food aid was cut off last week after the government launched a major offensive backed by Russian air strikes. The WFP has an alternative route but that may soon be blocked as well.
Kuwait backs international efforts against hardline Islamist groups in Syria, Iraq -- but no troops
Kuwait backs international efforts against hardline Islamist groups in Syria and Iraq but its constitution prevents it from sending troops, a senior Kuwaiti government official has told Reuters.
"Kuwait stands shoulder-to-shoulder with our brothers in Saudi on all fronts. We are always ready and able to provide what is needed to our Gulf partners within the confines of our constitution," said Sheikh Mohammad al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, Kuwait's minister for cabinet affairs, in an interview in Dubai.
Syrian government forces 25 km from Turkey border
Syrian government forces are 25 kilometers from the border with Turkey, VoA reports.
Iraqi forces recapture territory from IS east of Ramadi
Iraqi forces have recaptured territory from the IS group east of the city of Ramadi in Anbar province, Reuters reports.
A military statement broadcast on state television said the army, police and counter-terrorism forces had retaken several areas including the town of Husaiba al-Sharqiya, about 10 km (6 miles) east of Ramadi.
"(Our forces) also managed to open the road from Ramadi to Baghdad that passes through al-Khaldiya," the statement added, referring to a highway that links the city to the Habbaniya army base where U.S.-led coalition forces are located.
"All of Ramadi has now been liberated," Anbar Governor Sohaib al-Rawi said, adding that the handover of authority to local police from the military was going smoothly.
UN agency providing food to Syrians fleeing Aleppo fighting
The UN's World Food Programme (WFP) has said that it has started to provide urgently needed food to Syrians displaced by the fierce fighting in northern Aleppo province.
The food was transported from Turkey across the border into the town of Azaz, 30 kilometers northwest of Aleppo city, where thousands of people have gathered near the Bab al-Salaam border crossing.
“The situation is quite volatile and fluid in northern Aleppo with families on the move seeking safety,” said Jakob Kern, WFP’s Country Director in Syria, said in a press release.
“We are extremely concerned as access and supply routes from the north to eastern Aleppo city and surrounding areas are now cut off but we are making every effort to get enough food in place for all those in need, bringing it in through the remaining open border crossing point from Turkey.”