Kerry, Gentiloni urge resumption of intra-Syrian talks

ROME, Dec 2 (KUNA) -- US Secretary of State John Kerry and Italian Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni on Friday asserted the need of creating the necessary atmospheres for the resumption of the direct talks in Geneva among the Syrian warring parties.
Kerry reiterated the call for putting an end to the suffering of the civilian residents in Aleppo city, north Syria.
He was speaking at a joint press conference with Gentiloni on the sidelines of the 2016 Rome Med - Mediterranean Dialogues being held here under the theme of "MED 2016 - Beyond Turmoil. A positive Agenda." Kerry commended the progress of cooperation with Italy in the war against terrorism in Syria, Iraq.
On Libya he said the United States and Italy are committed to protecting the country's six million people from personal individual ambitions that hamper the unity of Libya.
The conflict among the warring parties in Libya only helps the extremists and terrorists who wreak havoc on the country, and takes its toll on the civilian population, Kerry said. However, he refuted reports on US planning to engage in a military operation in the North African country.
Kerry expressed hope that US partners in the Arab region, notably Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Saudi Arabia, will help settle the disputes between the Tobruk-based government and the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord.
On his part, Gentiloni ruled out the possibility of peacemaking in Syria on the wreckage of Aleppo.
He urged the warring parties to resume the political dialogue in Geneva as early as possible in order to put an end to the bloodshed. (end) mn.gb