Climbdown! "Clinton said the U.S. and Russia agreed to support a new mediation effort Brahimi would lead." http://www.freep.com/article/20121208/NEWS07/312080076/U-S-Russia-recommitted-to-fostering-political-transition-in-Syria-Hillary-Rodham-Clinton-says …#wtf #gtfo"
12:27 PM - 8 Dec 12 · Details
U.S., Russia recommitted to fostering
political transition in Syria, Hillary
Rodham Clinton says
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton speaks during a news conference at Stormont Castle in Belfast on Dec. 7, 2012. / REUTERS
ADS BY PULSE 360
1 Weird Tip To Erase Belly Fat
Celebrity Doctor Uncovers 1 Simple Trick To A Flat Stomach.
Read More...
Overstock Laptops: $27.81
Get a new Laptop for $27.81. Limit One Per Customer. Grab Yours Now.
Get details...
Saint Louis Mom Makes Botox Doctors Angry
Mom Reveals Clever $5 Wrinkle Therapy That Makes Botox Doctors Furious
SmartConsumerLiving.com
BELFAST, Northern Ireland -- Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said Friday that the U.S. and Russia are committed to trying again to get President Bashar Assad's regime and the rebel opposition to talk about a political transition in Syria.
Her comments set aside a year and a half of U.S.-Russian disagreements that have paralyzed the international community.
Clinton stressed, however, that the U.S. would insist once again that Assad's departure be a key part of that transition, a position not shared by the Russians.
It was her first comments on the surprise three-way diplomatic talks held Thursday with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and United Nations peace envoy Lakhdar Brahimi.
Clinton said the U.S. and Russia agreed to support a new mediation effort Brahimi would lead.
She called Thursday's discussions constructive, while adding that much work remained.
"We reviewed the very dangerous developments inside Syria," Clinton said in Northern Ireland. "And both Minister Lavrov and I committed to supporting a new push by Brahimi and his team to work with all the stakeholders in Syria to begin a political transition.
"It was an important meeting, but just the beginning," she added. "I don't think anyone believes there was some great breakthrough. No one should have any illusions about how hard this remains, but all of us with any influence on the process, with any influence on the regime or the opposition, need to be engaged."
