UN: To start political process in Syria we need Russia and USA - Steinmeier

German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said that both Russia and the United States were needed in order to start a political process in Syria, whilst speaking to the press before entering the United Nations Security Council meeting in New York, Wednesday. "It is agreed, that ultimately there will not only be a military solution to the Syrian conflict, but we must rather get started with a political process. In order to do this, we need the USA and Russia," Steinmeier stated, adding that "we need the Arabic neighbours, like Saudi Arabia. But also Iran. We need the neighbouring Turkey. And I am sure that if it come to it, also Europe can be helpful." During his statement Steinmeier acknowledged that Russia had a right to military involvement in Syria. "Russia pointed at that they grant themselves the right to also proceed against ISIS like others have, because Russia is threatened in the same way by ISIS, just like other neighbouring countries of Syria, and clearly, Syria itself," he said. The German foreign minister also warned that "during this stoked up situation in Syria there is a big risk that more misunderstandings would come up between all those parties, who we all need to help calm the situation."