US Defense Department To Open Communication Lines With Russia

WASHINGTON — United States Defense Secretary, Mr. Ashton Carter on Tuesday directed his staff to “open lines of communication with Russia on de-confliction” of air operations in Syria, the Pentagon press secretary said.

Peter Cook said on Tuesday that the United States and Russia have a common interest in fighting the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant in Syria. Further details, including who will be involved and the scope of the subject matter, will be determined, he added.

“The purpose of these de-confliction discussions will be to ensure that ongoing coalition air operations are not interrupted by any future Russian military activity, to ensure the safety of coalition aircrews and to avoid misjudgment and miscalculation,” Cook said.

According to him, the defense secretary spoke with senior leaders in the services and his policy team Tuesday morning. The development follows President Barack Obama’s meeting yesterday with Russian President Vladimir Putin, the press secretary noted.

The key priority, Cook said, is to maintain the integrity of coalition air operations and the safety of coalition pilots.

“We do not want misjudgment and miscalculation. We do not want an accident to take place,” he said.

It will take some time to work out specifics, including who are the “best and most appropriate people” to be involved in the talks, he said.