Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova Holds Weekly Briefing

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova held a weekly press briefing in Moscow on Thursday, January 13, for the first time in the New Year.

Kerry-Lavrov Meeting

Maria Zakharova confirmed the meeting between Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and US Secretary of State John Kerry next week; the venue and date are set to be announced later.

"I can confirm information that was published in the media today, that this meeting is currently being planned and will take place next week."

She added that the Syrian crisis settlement would be discussed during the meeting between Russian and US foreign policy chiefs.

Russians Arrested in Turkey Suspected on Having Links to Daesh

The Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman commented on the detention of Russian nationals in Turkey following the Istanbul attack. Three Russians had been detained in Antalya on Wednesday after an explosion in Istanbul’s historical center the day before claimed the lives of at least 10 people and injured at least 15 others.

Zakharova said that Turkish security services knew one of Russian citizens detained in Antalya was suspected of being linked to Daesh.

French Foreign Minister's Claims of Russia Allegedly Hitting Civilian Targets in Syria 'Strange'

Zakharova said that French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius' claims of Russia allegedly hitting civilian targets in Syria were "strange."

"To put it mildly, this all seems strange and unfounded," ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told reporters.

Earlier this week, Fabius accused the Russian military of actions against the civilian population of Syria, including bombing of a school.

Since September 30, Russia has been conducting an aerial campaign in Syria against terrorist groups, following a request from Syrian President Bashar Assad.

"Russia's aims in Syria are transparent," Zakharova emphasized.

Russia calls on all countries to unite efforts in the fight against terrorism, Zakharova said.

'Ankara Playing Covert Game in Syria'

Zakharova also slammed Turkish authorities, who accused Russia of civilians' deaths in Syria, calling the claims "dirty tricks."

Zakharova said that Ankara was playing a "covert game" in Syria in its own interests in the region.

According to her, it is crystal clear that Ankara is "trying to change the ethnic composition in the country's [Syria's] north in its own interests" under the pretext of the fight against Daesh.

"We condemn this destructive policy leading to the deterioration of the situation in the region and call for a constructive work in the framework of international efforts."

Fate of Bashar Assad Not Discussed During Vienna Talks

The Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman said that the fate of Syrian President Bashar Assad had not been discussed during Vienna talks on the Syrian crisis settlement.

"The fate of Bashar Assad has not been discussed within the Vienna format — either in Vienna or in New York."

This allowed the parties taking part in the negotiations to "make a step forward" toward a common approach, she said.

She emphasized that it was up to Syrian people to decide the future of their country.