From the Liveblog of
Monday, May 23, 2016
Kerry to Lavrov: Push Assad to end bombing of Syrian rebels
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleSecretary of State John Kerry urges his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov to press for end to Syrian bombing attacks on opposition forces, the US says.
The statement comes as UN chief Ban Ki-moon condemns attacks on civilians in the Syrian coastal cities of Jableh and Tartus, where explosions killed more than 80 people and wounded 200.
Spokesman Stephane Dujarric says that Ban is especially concerned about escalating military activity in and around Damascus and Homs, which is causing a rising number of civilian casualties.
Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin sends a telegram to Syrian President Bashar Assad conveying his condolences over the deaths of civilians and confirming Russia’s readiness to continue supporting its “Syrian partners.”
— Agencies
The Times of Israel Community.