Kerry: Russia is not an ally of the US in Syria, though it helps Washington in other areas
Russia has not strengthened its position in the Middle East after the intervention in Syria, as stated by the US Secretary of State, John Kerry, in an interview with CBS that was conducted on Sunday, March 27, 2016. In his opinion, this idea is "ludicrous."
Kerry stressed that Russia is not a US ally in Syria, although it helps Washington with other aspects that are in the "strategic interests" of the United States. In particular, according to him, Russia helped with Iran's nuclear agreement and has deprived Syria of chemical weapons. "Russia helps with the cessation of hostilities in Syria. And Russia can help us to influence the political transition that meets the strategic interests of the United States of America," the Secretary of State said.
Kerry also believes that the Russians "are not loyal to Assad." At the same time, in his view, if Syrian President Bashar al-Assad does not step down and does not give way for the formation of a transitional government in Syria, there will be no peace. Answering the question about the impressions of other world leaders about the presidential campaign in the US, Kerry said he is sure that "they are shocked."