Russia, France discuss Syria over phone

Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has discussed the situation in Syria and other issues with his French counterpart Yves Le Drian in a telephonic conversation, confirmed the Russian Foreign Ministry on Saturday.

The telephonic conversation, which took place on Friday, was made at the French side's initiative, reported Russian news agency TASS, citing the ministry as saying in a statement.

The two sides "discussed a wide range of bilateral issues, a schedule of political contacts for the upcoming period and while discussing international issues, they paid special attention to development of the situation in Syria," the statement read.