Kerry: High expectations for Syria deal, especially for Russia

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By Stephanie Condon

Kerry: High expectations for Syria deal, especially for Russia

As Secretary of State John Kerry and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov got down to the business of crafting a deal for Syria to hand over its chemical weapons, Kerry on Thursday acknowledged the high expectations that exist for both powerful nations.

"They're high for the United States, perhaps even higher for Russia to deliver at this moment," Kerry said from Geneva, in opening remarks ahead of the negotiations. "This is not a game."

Any deal for Syria to relinquish its stockpiles, he said, must be real, comprehensive, verifiable and implemented in a timely fashion. He added, "There ought to be consequences if it doesn't take place."

Syria has suggested that the regime ought to have the standard 30 days to submit data on its chemical weapons stockpile, but Kerry said, "We believe there is nothing standard about this process at this moment," noting that chemical weapons have already been used.

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http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-250_162-57602674/kerry-high-expectations-for-syria-deal-especially-for-russia/

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