White House seeks Russian help to resolve Syrian crisis

The United States says there is no military solution to the years-long crisis in Syria but it will welcome cooperation from Russia to address deadly unrest in the Arab country.

Washington "remains open to tactical, practical discussions" with Moscow over the fight against the Daesh (ISIL) terrorist group in Syria, White House spokesman Josh Earnest told reporters during a news briefing on Thursday.

It was not immediately known whether the talks would be held by military officials or civilians, or at what level.

The White House remarks came following Moscow's alleged deployment of troops and heavy weapons to Syria.

"We have made clear that Russia's military actions inside of Syria, if they are used to prop up the Assad regime, would be destabilizing and counterproductive," said Earnest.

"That all being said, we have long indicated we could welcome constructive contributions from the Russians to the anti-ISIL coalition," he said.

Russia has reportedly sent artillery units and tanks to an airport in Syria’s western province of Latakia, and also sent dozens of personnel and temporary housing for hundreds more.

According to a report published by the New York Times on Monday, Russia is using the airspace over Iran and Iraq to fly military equipment and personnel to a new air field in Syria.

At least seven giant Russian Antonov An-124 military transport aircrafts have taken off from a base in Russia during the past week to transport equipment to Syria, using Iranian and Iraqi air corridors, the Times reported, citing US officials.

American officials told the newspaper on Sunday that the destination of the Russian aircraft was an airfield in Latakia.

About 200 Russian marines and six Russian howitzers now guard the air base in Latakia, according to American intelligence.

On Saturday, US Secretary of State John Kerry called Lavrov and warned that Washington is deeply concerned of reports of "an imminent enhanced Russian military buildup."

On Wednesday, Kerry said that Russia had proposed opening a "military-to-military conversation" to ensure that Russian forces in Syria do not accidently clash with US troops fighting ISIL terrorists.

Kerry: Assad must step down

In his phone call with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Tuesday, Kerry also acknowledged that there is no military solution to the Syrian crisis and called for a political solution to establish peace in the Arab country.

"The secretary stressed that there is no military solution to the overall conflict in Syria, which can only be resolved by a political transition away from Assad," the State Department said.

But he also told Lavrov that that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad must step down to allow a political settlement.

"Secretary Kerry made clear that Russia's continued support for President Assad risks exacerbating and extending the conflict, and undermining our shared goal of fighting extremism," the State Department stated.

Syria has been gripped by deadly violence since March 2011. More than 230,000 people have reportedly been killed and millions displaced due to the violence mainly fueled by the foreign-sponsored militants.

The United States and its regional allies -- especially Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Turkey -- have been supporting the militants operating inside Syria since the beginning of the crisis.

Press TV’s website can also be accessed at the following alternate addresses:

www.presstv.co.uk