Russia Needs More International Cooperation to Solve Crisis in Syria

 MOSCOW, (ST)- Russian President Vladimir Putin has stressed that Moscow needs more international cooperation in order to solve the crisis in Syria, pointing out that he had held talks with President Bashar Al-Assad on reforms in Syria before Russia started its anti-terrorism aerial operation there.   

During his annual televised question and answer session on Thursday, Putin said “before the Russian leadership made the decision to start its aerospace operations in Syria, a detailed serious dialogue had been made with President Al-Assad on the need to make root reforms in the country.”

 He added “we realized that President Al-Assad was ready to hold dialogue with the (opposition) including the armed one and that he was also ready to put a new constitution and hold elections.”

 On the other hand, the Russian president stressed that in its endeavor to solve the crisis in Syria, Russia needs support from the United States and some countries in the region, reiterating the importance of dialogue as to reserve Syria’s territorial integrity.

Putin: Russia to Continue Supporting Syrian Army in Combating Terrorism

Putin affirmed that his country’s priority is to enhance the capabilities of the Syrian Arab Army in the fight against terrorism.

 “We intend to build a peaceful political process involving all parties to the conflict. Our short-term goal is to enhance the Syrian army’s fighting capacity and retreat to our Hmeimim and Tartous bases, leaving the Syrian troops to effectively achieve their aims,” Putin said.

 “If the need arises to use warplanes, we could support them in their fight against terrorist organizations. That is what our plans are,” he added.

Hamda Mustafa