HAVANA (Sputnik) — Congressman Beyer’s remarks come after Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that Moscow would withdraw its air group from Syria amid the ongoing intra-Syrian talks in Geneva.
"We also understand that Russia has a long-time vested interest in the ports in Syria, its outlet to the Mediterranean, and it’s important not to ignore that," Beyer told Sputnik.
From March 23 —24, US Secretary of State John Kerry will travel to Moscow to discuss with Russian officials the progress made on the cessation of hostilities agreement, as well as the UN-brokered Geneva talks between the Syrian government and opposition.
Don Beyer also noted that Moscow pulling out its air group from Syria is likely to make it easier for the United States and Russia to work together in Syria.
“I don’t know how much it affects the fighting. I think it does affect the possibility of a political settlement. I think it calms things down a little bit, so it makes it easier for the US to work with Russia on a way forward for Syria,” Beyer told Sputnik.
