‘UK hasn’t discussed military action in Syria with Russia’

Britain has not discussed military action in Syria with Russia, British Defense Secretary Michael Fallon was quoted by Reuters saying Tuesday, adding that Moscow’s actions in the last few weeks have further complicated the situation in the war-torn country.

“We have not discussed military operations against ISIL (Islamic State) in Syria with the Russians,” Fallon told British defense and security think tank Royal United Services Institute.

“The Russian action in the last few weeks of putting ships and aircraft into the region obviously further complicates an immensely complex situation.”

Following talks Saturday with British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond, US Secretary of State John Kerry said in London that Syrian President Bashar Assad must leave office, but the timing of such a move can be negotiated.

The US in the past rejected the possibility of a negotiated resolution to the Syrian civil war in which Assad remains in power.

Last week, Kerry held talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov to discuss ways of avoiding altercations between coalition and Russian aircraft in Syria after Moscow deployed advanced weaponry to a coastal airbase.

While Russia builds its military presence in Syria, President Vladimir Putin has waged a diplomatic campaign with Middle East leaders. Putin met Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Monday and discussed coordination between the two militaries to prevent unintentional conflict in Syria.

On the same day, Russia’s deputy foreign minister met with his Iranian counterpart. Hossein Amir-Abdollahian announced that Moscow and Tehran were both dedicated to ending the civil war using any means possible, while safeguarding the Assad regime.

Putin was set to meet Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas Wednesday before world leaders head to New York for the annual UN General Assembly.

The US-led coalition and Russia both aim to defeat the Islamic State jihadist group in Iraq and Syria, but the sides differ on Assad’s role in the war. Russia wants Assad to remain in power, while America has shifted from a policy of absolute rejection to willingness for Assad to remain leader during a brief transitional period.