DHAKA: US state secretary John Kerry is set to meet with senior Lithuanian officials on Saturday to discuss the ongoing crisis in Syria, as well as peace negotiations between the Israelis and Palestinians, according to a statement released by the US state department.

Lithuania currently holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union and will be key players in the EU’s actions regarding both fronts.

The EU sided with Russia on Friday in speaking out against a military strike in Syria in response to chemical weapons allegations.

‘Only a political solution can end the terrible bloodshed, grave violations of human rights and the far-reaching destruction of Syria,’ European Council President Herman Van Rompuy said, reports The Jerusalem Post.

Kerry has been part of US president Barack Obama’s national security team that has lobbied US congress for support of an airstrike on Syria.

The US state secretary visit to Lithuania suggests he will be interested in persuading the EU to switch allegiance to support the US in their attempt to garner backing for military action.

Kerry will also discuss the ongoing talks between Israelis and Palestinians as they search for a definitive peace agreement.

The EU has been at odds with Israel lately after publishing new guidelines which limits interaction with Israeli entities beyond the pre-1967 lines.

BDST: 1454 HRS, SEPT 07, 2013
RoR/SRS