Comment: In this interview, Lavrov gives reveals some fascinating tidbits on the Minsk negotiations, the failed U.S./Russia-backed ceasefire in Syria, and what it means to be living in a "post-West" world.
Sergey Lavrov: So they say.
Question: Could you perhaps tell us about your expectations and goals in dealing with Secretary Tillerson?
Sergey Lavrov: Well, after the American election, soon after Election Day President Putin and President-elect Trump talked over the phone. It was a good but very general discussion touching upon the key issues in our relations, and of course the key international issues. And they agreed that they would continue being in touch and after the inauguration they talked again, and they reconfirmed the need to look for ways which would be effective in handling international problems. And of course to see what could be done to bring the bilateral relations to normalcy. They also agreed that Mr. Rex Tillerson and I would look into the agenda in some more details, and would also discuss the preparation for the presidential meeting which should take place when both countries, both leaders feel comfortable.
Comment: Moscow urges all US-led coalition members in Syria to avoid civilian casualties amid reports of increasing collateral damage among the local population from airstrikes, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Thursday.