Obama, Putin discuss Ukraine, Syria, N Korea nuke test

[webfact]

Obama, Putin discuss Ukraine, Syria, DPRK nuke test
Source: Xinhua

WASHINGTON, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Barack Obama on Wednesday made a phone call with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin to discuss the Ukraine crisis, Syria peace talks and the recent nuclear test by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).

"President Obama emphasized the importance of working towards a diplomatic solution to the crisis in Ukraine through full implementation of the Minsk agreements by all parties," the White House said in a statement.

Obama underscored that "the key next step" is for the sides to reach agreement on the modalities of local elections in the Donbass region of Ukraine, which must meet standards of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE.

-- Xinhua 2016-01-14

[Publicus]

Putin signs the Minsk Agreement and all's well.

Ukraine is restored, local elections occur so people can get the community leaders they want, Putin keeps Crimea, sanctions come off, countries bordering Russia in Eurasia can stand down in their preparedness, Syria comes next.

Putin visited Pyongyang last year at the invitation of Kim Jong Fat. Since Beijing has lost control of Kim, maybe Putin can become a contact point.

Russian economy shrunk last year by almost five percent and this year is going to be worse. Putin needs some good news for the masses at home.

[craigt3365]

Conversations are good. Keep up the dialog, maybe some problems can be resolved. Maybe....