CIA Director Was In Moscow Early This Month To Discuss Syria (Update)

CIA Director John Brennan pauses while speaking at the Overseas Security Advisory Council's (OSAC) 30th annual briefing at the State Department in Washington November 18, 2015. REUTERS/KEVIN LAMARQUE

RFE: Reports: CIA Chief Discussed Fate Of Syria’s Assad In Moscow Talks

Russian news reports said the head of the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) held talks in Moscow earlier this month on the fate of Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad.

RIA-Novosti and Interfax cited a spokesman at the U.S. Embassy in Moscow as saying on March 28 that John Brennan also “also reiterated the U.S. government's consistent support for a genuine political transition in Syria.”

Interfax also quoted Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Oleg Syromolotov as saying that Brennan had meetings at the Federal Security Service but that his visit was not linked to the decision by Moscow to start withdrawing its forces from Syria.

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WNU Editor: U.S. media is saying that Syria was discussed. Russian media is saying the opposite. Meanwhile .... Russian lawmakers are calling CIA Director Brennan's trip to Moscow a waste of time .... Russian lawmaker says CIA director wasted time in Moscow (Russia & India Report). What's my take .... this is what using back-door channels looks like .... and yes .... Syria was probably on the top of the discussion list.

More News On CIA Director Brennan Being In Moscow Early This Month

CIA chief visited Moscow this month for Syria talks: US official -- AFP
CIA Director Brennan Made Secret Trip to Moscow -- Moscow Times
CIA head in Moscow this month, discussed Assad leaving power: RIA -- Reuters
CIA Head Brennan Discussed Syria Ceasefire, Assad's Future in Moscow -- Sputnik
CIA chief's visit to Moscow not linked to Russian withdrawal from Syria – Deputy FM -- RT
Diplomat: CIA director’s visit to Russia unrelated to pullout of Russian forces from Syria -- TASS
CIA chief had no meetings in Kremlin of late — Putin's spokesman -- TASS
CIA Head's Moscow Visit Unrelated to Russian Withdrawal From Syria - Moscow -- Sputnik