„The current US administration wants to find a solution to the crisis in Syria. There is a tacit agreement between the US and Russia to reach this solution,“ Bouthaina Shaaban, a close adviser to Assad, told Syrian state television on Wednesday.

„The US recognizes now that Russia has profound knowledge of this region and a better assessment of the situation,“ she added. „The current international climate is heading towards détente and towards a solution for the crisis in Syria.“

Still, a statement from US Defense Secretary Ash Carter casts doubt on such an accord.