Putin's Outreach to Obama

by Stephen Lendman

Putin consistently reaches out to other world leaders in good faith, urging mutual cooperation on major geopolitical issues - notably on war and peace.

On July 6, he and Obama spoke by phone. According to the Kremlin web site, he urged his US counterpart to "facilitate as quickly as possible the separation of moderate Syrian opposition forces from the terrorist group Jabhat al-Nusra and other extremists that are not covered by the ceasefire regime." 

"Both sides reaffirmed their readiness to step up coordination of American and Russian military actions in Syria, and emphasized the importance of resuming inter-Syrian negotiations under the aegis of the UN to achieve a political settlement."

Putin stressed the importance of observing Minsk peace terms, Kiev engaging in dialogue with Donbass freedom fighters, and respecting the "special status" of the Donetsk and Lugansk people's republics (DPR and LPR).

"He emphasized…no alternative to a political settlement and stressed the need to step up efforts to address ceasefire violations and the importance of full compliance with the agreement on the withdrawal of heavy weapons and the separation of the sides to the conflict."

On July 6, Russia's Foreign Ministry expressed concern over mobilization of "Ukrainian armed forces and volunteer battalions (along) the contact line."

"It is clear (they're) preparing a military operation," flagrantly violating Minsk terms if initiated. Shelling and mortar fire overnight targeted Donbass civilian areas - an indication of likely escalated conflict to follow.

Moscow called for a Normandy Four (France, Germany, Russia and Ukraine) meeting to discuss increased Kiev aggression.

Sergey Lavrov told John Kerry, ahead of his visit to Ukraine, to address intelligence indicating Kiev's "intent to provoke resumption of full-scale hostilities in Donbas," calling on him "to prevent such developments."

Commenting on Putin's discussion with Obama, the White House indicated Washington's "readiness…to achieve a comprehensive settlement to the (Ukraine) conflict" - while covert US efforts continue supporting increased Kiev aggression.

Obama blamed Syria for US-supported terrorists' failure to comply with ceasefire terms - affirming a "commitment to defeating ISIL and the Nusra Front," while actively supporting these and other anti-government terrorist groups.

He "stressed the necessity (of) political transition" - aka regime change, US-controlled puppet governance replacing Assad and other democratically elected officials.

He blamed Donbass freedom fighters for escalated Kiev aggression, stressing the importance of "full implementation" of Minsk - while actively subverting it.

Putin continues going all-out for peaceful conflict resolution in Ukraine and Syria - unattainable because Washington wants endless wars in both theaters and elsewhere.

Its imperial agenda threatens world peace - regime change in Russia and China its ultimate objectives by color revolutions or war.

Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago. He can be reached at lendmanstephen@sbcglobal.net. 

His new book as editor and contributor is titled "Flashpoint in Ukraine: US Drive for Hegemony Risks WW III."

http://www.claritypress.com/LendmanIII.html

Visit his blog site at sjlendman.blogspot.com. 

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