Putin Urges Syrian Reconciliation

Local Editor

Russian President Vladimir Putin said the Syrian people must sit down for political talks and adopt a new constitution for their country.

In his annual televised phone-in on Thursday, Putin said Russia is doing everything to ensure the situation in Syria does not deteriorate, adding a political process rather than military operations will help achieve reconciliation.

"We very much hope that a political process, not the use of armed forces by both sides with support from whosoever, including our support, will lead to reconciliation," he said.

"It is necessary to accept, reach an agreement, sit down at the negotiating table, adopt a constitution, hold early elections on the basis of the constitution and in such a way come out of the crisis," Putin added.

He also defended the decision in March to withdraw Russian troops from Syria after being asked whether the move wouldn't allow Daesh [the Arabic acronym for the terrorist "ISIS" group] to expand again, "like a hydra."

"This danger always exists if due attention is not spared to the fight against terrorism," Putin said.

"Our main hope is that it's the political process, not the military action on all sides ... that will lead to peace. Everyone needs to get to the negotiation table, pass a new constitution and hold elections."

Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team