Kerry has threatened Russia and Iran “tough measures” for the support of Assad – RBC

US Secretary of State John Kerry

Photo: AP

Washington would” tough measures “in the event that Russia and Iran would block the process of political transition of power in Syria. This statement was made by US Secretary of State John Kerry in the US-Israeli forum at the Brookings Institution in Washington.

«If Russia and Iran stand unit and allow Assad simply doom the process to fail, we will know who is the problem . In this case, we will have fewer options for action and we have to make some tough measures, “- said Kerry (quoted by RIA Novosti news agency).

According to the Secretary of State, the US” can not afford ” such developments. According to him, “it threatens the security of the United States and all countries in Europe».

Kerry believes that while Assad is in power, to stop the war in Syria is impossible. According to him, “it is impossible to say” let’s leave Assad and will pursue an “Islamic state” (an organization banned in Russia). ” “As long as Assad is in power, it is impossible to stop the war”, – he said.

According to Kerry, the next round of talks on Syria will be held in December in New York. “Those involved in the negotiations of the government are going to meet later this month in New York to continue to advance this process [the political transfer of power],” – quoted Kerry Reuters.

During the previous round of talks on Syria, which took place on October 30 in Vienna, the participants agreed on a nine-point communiqué. The parties at the talks in Vienna did not agree about the future of President Bashar Assad. As told German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier, commenting on the results of the meeting, the next meeting participants intend to work on a new transitional government, new elections, as well as the implementation of the cease-fire.

Another meeting was held in Vienna on November 14th. In the course of its participants have agreed to start talks with Syrian opposition groups. Parties to the talks also expressed the wish that within six months of the Syrian authorities and the opposition formed a Transitional Government. Following this should be initiated preparation of a new Constitution. In the next 18 months in the country must pass national elections already under the new Constitution