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French, Russian top diplomats discuss fighting terrorism, Ukrainian crisis

Xinhua, April 4, 2017 Adjust font size:

French Foreign Minister Jean Marc Ayrault on Tuesday told his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov that a united international front was necessary to combat terrorism that has posed a threat to security in their respective countries.

During a phone conversation, Ayrault reiterated Paris's support to Moscow after an explosion claimed at least the lives of 14 people in St. Petersburg metro station on Monday.

"France is ready to respond to any assistance request," he said.

Speaking about the situation in Ukraine, Ayrault stressed the need for Russia's "full commitment" to support the renewed ceasefire deal in eastern Ukraine and the implementation of the Minsk peace accord.

According to the Quai d'Orsay press release, the two ministers also discussed the report on alleged gas attack in Syrian city of Idlib.

The French top diplomat told Lavorv that "the international community as a whole had to assume its responsibilities and work to establish facts and responsibilities."

The Syrian army categorically denied executing a toxic attack in the rebel-held area in the country's northwestern province of Idlib on Tuesday, according to state news agency SANA. Endit