US-Saudi Talks Focus on Syria

US Secretary of State John Kerry continues his journey to the Middle East and Asia this weekend.The trip began June 21 and extends through July 2.On Tuesday 25 June,Mr.Kerry held talks with Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister,Prince Saud al-Faisal,in Jeddah,Saudi Arabia.
In remarks following their meeting,His Royal Highness described the talks with John Kerry as having been a fruitful,constructive discussion,transparent and open-minded.At the top of their agenda was the crisis in Syria.
Perhaps the most ominous development is the involvement of foreign forces,Prince Saud noted,foremost of which is the motions of Hezbollah with support from Iran's national guard in the mass murder of Syrians,with unlimited military support from Russia.This critical turn of events cannot be overlooked.
Over and above the regime's genocide against its own people,this adds an even deadlier element in the form of an all-out foreign invasion that breaks every international law,protocol and principle.This violates the Syrian land and turns it into a battleground for global and regional conflicts and puts it under the mercy of sectarian struggles.
Syria can only be considered an occupied land.This requires a firm stand and speedy action from the international community.
I would like to commend the US decision to send military aid to the Free Syrian Army,and express my relief for what I heard today from the US Secretary of State concerning both changing the balance of forces on the ground and maintaining the legitimacy of the Syrian National Coalition as the sole representative of the Syrian people,Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud said.
Mr.Kerry is currently meeting in Amman,Jordan and Jerusalem with Jordanian,Israeli and Palestinian officials on advancing the Middle East peace process.From there,he will travel to Brunei for ASEAN meetings.

John Kerry Departs for Middle East,Asia

Secretary of State John Kerry is departing for an eleven day trip to the Middle East and Asia later today,June 21.He will visit Doha,New Delhi,Jeddah,Kuwait City,Amman,Jerusalem and Bandar Seri Begawan,according to Spokesperson Jen Psaki.
In Doha,Qatar,Kerry will meet with senior Qatari officials to discuss bilateral and regional matters.He will also meet with the London 11 foreign ministers to discuss the Syrian conflict,including support for the opposition and the search for a political settlement.
While in New Delhi,the Secretary will chair the interagency delegation to the fourth annual US-India Strategic Dialogue.It will cover the full spectrum of bilateral and regional concerns,from economic engagement to security and defence,as well as climate change and space cooperation.
In Jeddah and Kuwait City,Mr.Kerry will discuss a number of bilateral and regional issues with Saudi and Kuwaiti officials.
In Amman and Jerusalem,he will meet with Jordanian,Israeli and Palestinian officials on advancing the Middle East peace process.
Finally,the Secretary will participate in ASEAN regional meetings and the 3rd East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers Meeting in Bandar Seri Begawan,Brunei,as well as hold bilateral talks with the Sultan of Brunei and other Brunei officials.