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Thursday 14 Jan 2016 - 12:42 Makkah mean time-4-4-1437
Obama, Putin hold phone call (Image from Internet)
Washington (IINA) – President Barack Obama and Russian President Vladimir Putin joined Wednesday in calling for a tough global response to North Korea's recent nuclear test, even as they remained at odds over the issues of Ukraine and Syrian President Bashar Assad, AP reported.
North Korea was one of the key topics discussed during a phone call between the two leaders, along with the situation in Ukraine and the civil war in Syria.
Both leaders voiced support for UN-facilitated talks to resolve the civil war in Syria, in which Assad's future remains a key sticking point.
The U.S. has been pressing Russia to end its support for Assad and stop bombing the rebel groups fighting Assad's regime. The Kremlin said both leaders also called for a reduction in tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran, which have threatened to complicate diplomatic efforts on Syria.
On North Korea's claim to have tested a hydrogen bomb, at least, the leaders seemed in agreement. The Kremlin said they agreed that if proven true, the claim would require "a tough international reaction", while the White House said they discussed the need for "a strong and united international response."
The U.S. has cast doubt on the North Korea's claim that its test involved a hydrogen bomb but has said whatever was tested constituted a provocative act. Despite steep disagreements on Ukraine, Syria and other issues, Obama and Putin have continued to engage on areas where their views at least partially overlap. Washington has praised Moscow as of late for its role in facilitating diplomatic efforts toward a political transition in Syria.
AB/IINA
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