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Top U.S., Russian Generals Discuss European Security, Tensions

June 08, 2018

The top Russian and U.S. generals discussed security in Europe and ways to reduce global tensions during a meeting in Helsinki, the two countries' militaries say.

Officials said the talks took place on June 8 between Valery Gerasimov, chief of Russia's military general staff, and Joseph Dunford, chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff.

"The parties discussed various aspects of settling the crisis in Syria, including issues of bilateral relations and prevention of incidents. They noted the importance of prompt stabilization of the situation in the Syrian Arab republic," the Russia ministry said.

"The parties addressed reducing tensions and ensuring security in Europe," it said following the meeting.

In a brief statement, the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff said the two countries' militaries "have undertaken efforts to improve operational safety and strategic stability."

"Both leaders recognize the importance of maintaining regular communication to avoid miscalculation and to promote transparency and de-confliction in areas where our militaries are operating in close proximity," the U.S. statement said.

Before the low-key talks, the Finnish military said the talks were designed to prevent regional conflicts from escalating, including those in Syria and Ukraine.

Relations between Moscow and Washington and their militaries were severely damaged in 2014 following Russia's annexation of Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula and its aid for separatists in eastern Ukraine.

In April, Gerasimov met with NATO Supreme Allied Commander Curtis Scaparrotti in the Azerbaijani capital, Baku, as part of efforts to ease tensions.

Based on reporting by AFP, Reuters, Interfax, and The Independent

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/top- u-s-russian-generals-discuss-european- security-tensions/29280785.html

Copyright (c) 2018. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.