Intel cooperation

CIA chief visited Moscow this month for Syria talks: US official

CIA director John Brennan visited Moscow in early March to discuss Syria and put the case for the departure of Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad, a US official said Monday.

While meeting Russian officials, the spy agency chief "reiterated the US government's consistent support for a genuine political transition in Syria, and the need for Assad’s departure," the US official told AFP.

Brennan also stressed "the importance of Russia and the Assad regime following through on their agreements to implement the cessation of hostilities in Syria," the US official said.