Russia criticizes U.S. for lack of willingness to coordinate over Syria crisis

Moscow criticized Washington for its Syria policy on Monday, ahead of U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry's visit to Russia.

"Unfortunately, even after the terrorist attack against the Russian passenger airliner on Oct. 31, the United States does not show any willingness to establish full-scale cooperation with us in the fight against ISIS (also known as Islamic State or Daesh in Arabic)," Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

Noting that some U.S. approaches do not always comply with international law, the ministry urged Washington to review its attempts of dividing terrorists into "bad" and "good."

"We hope to receive necessary explanations from the Secretary of State (over Syrian issues), ...expect a business-like conversation with U.S. Secretary of State on Dec. 15," the statement said.

The Russian side also laid part of the blame on the U.S. for American ally Turkey's shooting down a Russian warplane on Nov. 24 over airspace violation, an allegation denied by Moscow.

The ministry said Washington should assume responsibility for actions of the U.S.-led coalition in Syria, for its allies not enforcing provisions of the Memorandum of Understanding regarding flight safety over Syria, which was signed by Russia and the U.S. in October.

The ministry reiterated its openness to constructive cooperation based on equality and mutual respect.

"In determining spheres for joint work with the U.S., we continue to be guided by own interests and by strengthening our own and international security," the statement said.

Kerry is due to talk with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Tuesday over the Syrian crisis and other issues, while the Kremlin has not ruled out a meeting between Putin with Kerry.

Kerry's trip in Russia would be the second in two years as U.S.-Russia relations have deteriorated over the Ukrainian crisis.

Apart from conflicts in eastern Ukraine, Washington and Moscow are also at odds over the Syrian political process and the future of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

During a telephone conversation made on Wednesday night between Lavrov and Kerry, the two sides reaffirmed the necessity to fully implement agreements reached on Nov. 14 over Syrian reconciliation process before a new round of international talks.

The two officials also urged the coordination of a list of terrorist groups operating in Syria, as well as a representative list of Syrian opposition delegates that should be gathered by UN special envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura. Endit