By Lisa Ferdinando DoD News, Defense Media Activity
WASHINGTON, September 29, 2015 — Defense Secretary Ash
Carter today directed his staff to "open lines of communication with
Russia on de-confliction" of air operations in Syria, the Pentagon press
secretary said today.
Peter Cook said the United States and Russia have a common
interest in fighting the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant in Syria. Further
details, including who will be involved and the scope of the subject matter,
will be determined, he added.
"The purpose of these de-confliction discussions will
be to ensure that ongoing coalition air operations are not interrupted by any
future Russian military activity, to ensure the safety of coalition aircrews
and to avoid misjudgment and miscalculation," Cook said.
Cook said the defense secretary spoke with senior leaders in
the services and his policy team this morning. The development follows
President Barack Obama's meeting yesterday with Russian President Vladimir
Putin, the press secretary noted.
The key priority, Cook said, is to maintain the integrity of
coalition air operations and the safety of coalition pilots.
"We do not want misjudgment and miscalculation. We do
not want an accident to take place," he said.
It will take some time to work out specifics, including who
are the "best and most appropriate people" to be involved in the
talks, he said.
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