Russia says getting ‘closer’ to deal with US to avoid Syria clashes

MOSCOW: Moscow and Washington are getting closer to agreeing a deal to avoid clashes between their aircraft over Syria, Russia´s defence ministry said Wednesday, after a third round of talks between the two countries´ militaries.

"Positions became closer on key provisions of the future document," the defence ministry said in a statement to Russian news agencies.

"The procedure for further action by the two sides was agreed," the statement said after a videoconference between the two sides.

Russia and the United States have been making slow progress towards striking a deal on how to stay out of each other´s way in the skies over Syria since Moscow launched its bombing campaign in the war-torn country late last month.See full story