Putin, Merkel discuss implementation of Berlin agreements on Libya, 'deal of the century', Ukraine, Syria
MOSCOW. Jan 31 (Interfax) - Russian President Vladimir Putin and German Federal Chancellor Angela Merkel have discussed Libya, the Middle East peace process, and the situation in Ukraine and Syria during a phone call, the Kremlin press service said in a statement on Friday.
The sides discussed the implementation of the agreements reached at the Berlin Conference on Libya on January 19, the statement said. "The Russian president noted the need for coordinating decisions with the Libyan sides, which was important for their future consideration and approval by the UN Security Council," it said.
"Both sides underlined the need for bolstering international efforts toward the provision of a lasting ceasefire and the establishment of a political dialogue," the statement said.
"Other topical issues of the conversation included the situation in Ukraine and Syria and the Middle East peace process. [...] In this context, the leaders exchanged views on the U.S. plan of settling the Palestinian-Israeli conflict," it said.
A number of other items on the bilateral agenda were discussed, and agreement was reached on future contacts.
The call was initiated by the German side, the statement said.