MOSCOW (Sputnik) — According to Mark Toner, although differences between the US and Russian approaches to the Syrian settlement exist, the two countries have a record of high-level cooperation, in particular, on Iran nuclear problem, and Washington hopes that this successful pattern will be followed in the case of Syria negotiations.
"On 'critical issues' like Iran nuclear deal we have shown the ability to cooperate and work effectively together. We hope that Syria becomes another example of that," he said.
Syria has been mired in civil war since 2011, with opposition factions and Islamist terrorist groups fighting the Syrian army. Russia recognizes Syrian President Bashar Assad as the legitimate authority in the country, stressing that the Syrian people should be free to choose their leadership without outside intervention. The United States and some of its allies since the beginning of the conflict have been supporting the so-called moderate Syrian opposition, while urging Assad to resign.
Russia and the United States reached an agreement on a ceasefire in Syria on February 22. The truce excludes Islamic State and the Nusra Front terrorist groups, both outlawed in Russia. The ceasefire took effect on February 27.
On July 14, 2015, Iran and the P5+1 group of negotiators, comprising China, France, Russia, United Kingdom, United States plus Germany, signed a historic accord to guarantee the peaceful nature of Tehran's nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief.
