Statement by NSC Spokesperson Caitlin Hayden on National Security Advisor Rice's Meeting with Russian Presidential Foreign Policy Advisor Ushakov

In a candid and cordial first meeting held on the margins of the G20 Summit in St. Petersburg, National Security Advisor Rice and Presidential Foreign Policy Advisor Ushakov reviewed the state of U.S.-Russian relations and discussed areas of future cooperation. In their discussion of Syria, NSA Rice reiterated the United States' strong view that the Assad regime must be held accountable for their use of chemical weapons in violation of international norms, and underscored the continued importance of resolving the conflict in Syria through a negotiated solution through the Geneva principles. NSA Rice reaffirmed U.S. support for the upcoming Sochi Olympics, underscoring the importance of ensuring a secure event, in the spirit of the Olympic Charter. While acknowledging impediments in the bilateral relationship, NSA Rice welcomed a regular exchange of views and cooperation on areas of mutual interest.