Obama, Putin call for "cessation of violence" in Syria

(CBS News) President Obama and Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday released a joint statement calling for "an immediate cessation of all violence" in Syria, endorsing a political transition to democracy in the conflicted country.

(Listen to CBS News Radio White House correspondent Peter Maer report on the meeting at left.)

The statement came after the two leaders met at the Group of 20 economic meeting in Los Cabos, Mexico. Following the meeting, Mr. Obama said, "We in fact did have a candid, thoughtful and thorough conversation on a whole range of bilateral and international issues." Mr. Obama added that he and Putin agreed "that a political process has to be created to prevent civil war" in Syria.

Mr. Obama and Putin said in their joint statement that they "express full support for the efforts of UN/League of Arab States Joint Special Envoy Kofi Annan, including moving forward on political transition to a democratic, pluralistic political system that would be implemented by the Syrians themselves in the framework of Syria's sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity."

The joint statement released made no mention of the tension between the U.S. and Russia over Syria. Russia -- seen as a key player with Syria -- has blocked two U.N. Security council resolutions calling for tougher action there. And just last week, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said Russia was continuing to send arms to Syria.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has cracked down on political protesters in his country with violent force for 15 months. The opposition says more than 14,000 people have died since the uprising began.

The meeting was the first between Mr. Obama and Putin since the Russian leader returned to the presidency there. In addition to Syria, they talked about Iran's nuclear ambitions, the START nuclear treaty, trade relations and other issues.

With respect to Iran, Mr. Obama said the two agreed that there is "still time and space to resolve diplomatically" the issue of Iran's nuclear weapons and the peaceful use of nuclear power.

Mr. Obama acknowledged that there will be "areas of disagreement" between the U.S. and Russia, but said the two nations can build on their recent successes such as the START treaty.

[valwayne]

Putin has had Obama's number from the beginning. He no doubt agrees with President Clinton that Obama is a complete Amateur. Putin is sending weapons to help Assad in Syria murder innocents and Obama was helpless to do anything, as usual. Obama caved to the Russians years ago when he betrayed our friends in Eastern Europe who had agreed to base missile defense in their nations. Having given up what Russia wanted early for the sake of his reset Obama has nothing the Russians really want or need. So Putin can treat Obama with the contempt he has earned! Its a sad day for America!

[realpatriot1776]

with all the pandering it is amazing that the Democrats still want to call this the U.S.A. I would think soon we will be called "Gone".

[Rocksman]

Putin ate Obama's lunch today at G-20 meetings.

[takacrat]

What are they looking at? The only thing that I can think of, being that one is from a country that one must first do a manly act and the other has kin that, mine is bigger than yours, that they are now looking at who has the bigger spit wad than the other, but both can see a hand full of snot in this hand shake!

[venusvegasvada]

That's what I'm talking about. Everyone will get a lot more traction with both the US and Russia on the same sheet of music.

[Rocksman]

You have no idea what took place today.

[venusvegasvada]

Rocksman-

How about you enlighten us then rocket scientist...

[rightofwrong]

The US should stay out of other's civil wars. They do not threaten our security and we have no business getting involved. This is the "watch the birdie" ploy while the Nation of Aztlan invades us from the south. We might as well stop guarding the borders all together.

[jdaryyl]

ABSOLUTLY RIGHT...

Iran, Libya, Afganistan, Iraq, Egypt, what else are we going to get into? This is madness!!!
What is going to be the next False Flag attack to energize more warring? That would be nice to know... Maybe we should ask people like Peter King or Lindsey Graham. Maybe the best people would be the elite banksters which profit most from warring.

[steve real]

Gosh fellas. Russians sending troops and ships to Syria? This is a clear sign of desperation. Russia is thee desperate team on the pitch. Yes sir.
And why? No team ramps up forces...and these are clearly evacuation forces....if they didn't hold a precarious position on the field of play.

Good on ya Brits...especially the fellas from the Standard Club.
It's good to see a business take a clear stand for the women and children of Syria. righteous call fellas. no doubt about it.