Syrian President visited Russian airbase
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, accompanied by the head of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, General Valery Gerasimov, visited the Khmeimim base of the Russian Aerospace Forces in the Syrian province of Latakia.
Assad flew to the base aboard a Russian Su-35 fighter, as Syrian media photos show. This was a first for the Syrian President. Gerasimov, who is on a working visit to Syria, met Assad at the base.
The two discussed the coordination of the actions of …
U.S. pilots have requested permission to shoot down Syrian aircraft for self-defense purposes three times this month
This month American pilots have sought permission to shoot down Syrian military aircraft three times, citing self-defense, according to U.S. Air Force General Charles Corcoran, as reported by Rossiyskaya Gazeta.
"We are trying to reduce tension. We are here to fight the Islamic State, but we will defend our forces from those who are on the side of the Syrian regime," he said.
On June 18th, in the province of Raqqa, an aircraft of the U.S.-led coalition against the IS shot down a Syrian Air …
Italian Foreign Minister: Italy does not recognize Russia's annexation of the Crimea
Angelino Alfano, the head of the Italian Foreign Ministry, said that Italy “did not recognize in any form” the entry of the Crimea into Russia.
On Tuesday, Alfano held a meeting with his Ukrainian counterpart, Pavlo Klimkin, and assured him of the permanency of Italy’s position on the most pressing issues for Ukraine.
The Italian Foreign Minister also stressed that this “clear” position is shared by all EU countries.
“If we recognized this, it would be news. Our position remains the same and …
Ukraine to convene 'Normandy Format' conference call
Ukraine intends to organize a telephone conference of the "Normandy format" member countries to resolve the situation in the Donbas.
Foreign Minister Pavel Klimkin announced this on Tuesday in Rome, where he is on a two-day working visit, reported RFE/RL.
A telephone conference between the main representatives of Ukraine, Russia, Germany and France should be held in the near future.
"We're talking about a matter of days," Klimkin said at a press conference in the Italian Foreign Ministry. …
Speaker of the Ukrainian Parliament: introduction of visas with Russia may be considered during next plenary week
The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada, Andriy Parubiy said that the Ukrainian parliament may consider introducing visas with Russia as early as next week.
"Yes, there is a possibility that the question of the introduction of a visa requirements may be filed with the Cabinet of Ministers during the next plenary week, if, as a result of consultations, we reach a consensus," he said.
"I have repeatedly stressed that this idea is very important for me. In fact, when I was Secretary of the National …