French FM to hold talks with Lavrov

French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius, who is currently in St. Petersburg to take part in the G20 summit, will hold talks with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov on Friday to focus on the situation in Syria, Agence France Presse reported. Last Thursday Fabius said France “believes it necessary to punish [Syrian President] Bashar al-Assad”. However, France believes that the crisis can be only settled by talks. “It is necessary to involve all parties. France’s position is punitive measures and talks,” Fabius said, adding, “If no actions are taken to punish al-Assad, talks will not be held.” September 4, Fabius made a statement saying it might be necessary for Russia to change its position on Syria.