Russian diplomat discusses Syrian chemical weapons, missile defense with U.S., UN officials
MOSCOW. Oct 9 (Interfax) - Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov discussed the placement of Syrian chemical weapons under international control with U.S. Acting Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Rose Gottemoeller and Assistant Secretary of State Thomas Countryman at a meeting in New York, the Russian Foreign Ministry reported.
"The situation surrounding Syria, including further implementation of the agreement on placing Syrian chemical weapons under international control, was discussed during bilateral consultations. Special attention was attached to relevant aspects of the strategic agenda, Russian-American relations, and international security, with an emphasis placed on missile defense problems," the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Wednesday.
The same day, a Russia-U.S.-UN meeting took place, in which the UN was represented by Chef de Cabinet to the Executive Office Susana Malcorra and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs Angela Kane, the ministry said. "During the conversation, the parties discussed the UN secretary-general's reasons regarding the establishment of a joint OPCW and UN mission in order to destroy Syrian chemical weapons in a timely and safe manner," the ministry said.
