Putin Says There’s No Need for Wide Use of Russia’s Armed Forces in Syria

MOSCOW- There is no need for a wide use of the Russian armed forces in Syria but Russia will continue pinpoint anti-terrorist efforts if need be, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Monday.

“There is no need to use Russia’s armed forces in Syria as widely as they have been used until now. But we have two bases there and, naturally, we will continue anti-terrorist efforts, including in Syria,” he said at a meeting with senior Russian lawmakers, Itar Tass reported.

 “If need be, we will work there in a pinpoint manner.”

According to the president, further anti-terrorist efforts will not involve “a wide use of all components of our armed forces.”

“That is why our forces have been withdrawn as there is no need to keep this much hardware and manpower there. At least, for now,” the Russian leader noted.

 Kremlin: Putin, Security Council Discuss Preparations for Holding Syrian National Dialogue Congress

Earlier, the Russian President and permanent members of the Security Council discussed the Syrian settlement and preparations for holding the Syrian National Dialogue Congress, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

“The sides discussed in detail prospects of the Syrian settlement, namely given the recent round of talks in Astana,” Peskov told reporters. The participants “exchanged views on the preparations for the Congress.”

The meeting also touched upon “the Middle East settlement taking into account the recently adopted resolution,” Peskov said. The sides also discussed vital issues of Russia’s social and economic agenda.

 Peskov said on Monday Putin is scheduled to hold a number of meetings and an international phone conversation.

H.M