Russia Not Optimistic on Syria Talks

Russia and the United States are holding talks with international envoy Lakhdar Brahimi aimed at resolving the Syria crisis, but Russia’s foreign minister said on Friday that he is not “optimistic” they will succeed. Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov confirmed that officials will meet “for a brainstorm and an exchange of opinions on how to move forward toward a resolution,” but added, “I would not make optimistic predictions … It remains to be seen what will come of this.” Lest anyone get overexcited, he added that all parties understand the chances of success are “far from 100 percent.”