Kerry, Hagel to meet their Russia counterparts

WASHINGTON (AP) — The crisis in Syria and Russia’s decision to grant temporary asylum to National Security Agency leaker Edward Snowden are likely to highlight a meeting later this week between Secretary of State John Kerry, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel and their Russian counterparts.

State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki says the meeting will occur Friday in Washington with the Russian foreign and defense ministers.

The U.S. wants Snowden returned to the United States to face charges. The U.S. is also upset about Moscow’s backing of President Bashar Assad in the Syrian crisis. Psaki said Tuesday that other issues to be discussed include strategic arms reduction and Iran’s nuclear ambitions.