Blinken: US-Russia Negotiations Could Yield Some Results Relatively Quickly

LOCAL NEWS

• Blinken says US-Russia negotiations could yield some results relatively quickly, given the favorable development of events – but noted that other issues will require longer work.
  • "A number of topics will take us some time. we are talking about arms control. It is impossible to conclude an agreement in this area in a few weeks.
  • "But the real question is whether Russia is serious about diplomatic efforts and de-escalation. It is important that these negotiations begin"
• French Foreign said that during consultations with European partners he stressed the importance of their close coordination before discussions with Russia in different formats in the coming week, believes that it is necessary to conduct a "demanding dialogue" with Russia.
• Russia-led alliance sends peacekeeping forces to unrest-hit Kazakhstan (ex-Soviet republic) to stabilize the situation, blaming mass protests on “outside interference.”
  • President Tokayev appealed to the alliance yesterday to help stabilize the situation and protesters seize key infrastructure – threatening to act as harshly as needed to combat the insurgency. Russia has thus far called for dialogue and the West has urged restraint on all sides