Germany to push for new intl effort with France to end war in Syria – FM

Germany and France will push for a new international effort to achieve a lasting ceasefire in Syria, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said on Saturday. The initiative is also being discussed by the NATO council. “We will work together with France for the creation of an international format of influential states that can provide new momentum for the political process,” Maas said, adding that Germany would use its bilateral ties to ensure Russia adopted a “constructive” stance on the issue. Any possible political process must involve Russia, Reuters quoted Maas as saying.