United States' Vice President Joe Biden speaks to media prior to a meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, unseen, at the chancellery in Berlin, Germany, Friday, Feb. 1, 2013. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)
Biden: US would hold direct talks if Iran serious
United States' Vice President Joe Biden speaks to media prior to a meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, unseen, at the chancellery in Berlin, Germany, Friday, Feb. 1, 2013. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)
By GEIR MOULSON and DAVID RISING
Associated Press /
February 2, 2013
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Lavrov also suggested Biden’s statement that Assad must go was counterproductive.
‘‘The persistence of those who say that priority No. 1 is the removal of President Assad — I think it’s the single biggest reason for the continued tragedy in Syria.’’
Asked whether Russia might be prepared to endorse humanitarian corridors protected by air power, Lavrov bluntly replied: ‘‘No. Any threat of use of force will be unacceptable.’’
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Jim Heintz contributed from Moscow.
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