Differences Between US, Russia Not to Block Syria Talks - State Department

Differences between the United States and Russia will not prevent continued progress between the two countries in the Vienna process to end the Syrian Civil War, State Department chief spokesperson John Kirby told reporters on Tuesday.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — Kirby also said the Obama administration saw a great opportunity in the current discussions to stop that cycle of violence in Syria by continuing to talk and negotiate with Russia.

"[The Russians] have privately and publicly supported the Vienna process — and getting the opposition together," Kirby said. "Foreign Minister [Sergei] Lavrov [is] not only supportive but very cooperative in the process and the effort to get a political solution in Syria… We need to continue to work with Russia."

Kirby noted the US government wanted Russia to continue to use its influence to" move the Syrian peace process forward.

"We're not unmindful of the fact that Russia has influence on the regime and we want to see them use it… We're not unmindful of the fact that Russia has influence on the regime and we want to see them use it," he maintained.