Assad exit a matter of time for US

LONDON—US Secretary of State John Kerry said on Saturday Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad would have to go, but the timing of his departure should be decided through negotiation.

Speaking after talks with British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond in London, Kerry called on Russia and Iran to use their influence over Assad to convince him to negotiate a political transition.

Kerry said the United States welcomed Russia’s involvement in tackling the Islamic State in Syria, but a worsening refugee crisis underscored the need to find a compromise that could also lead to political change in the country.

“We need to get to the negotiation. That is what we’re looking for and we hope Russia and Iran, and any other country with influence, will help to bring about that, because that’s what is preventing this crisis from ending,” said Kerry, referring to the migrant situation in Europe.

Kerry said he did not have a specific time frame in mind for Assad to stay.

“I just know that the people of Syria have already spoken with their feet. They’re leaving Syria,” he said.

Hammond said Assad could not be part of Syria’s long-term future, “but the modality and timing has to be part of a political solution that allows us to move forward.”

Hammond said the situation in Syria was now more complicated with Russia’s increased military involvement in the country.