Putin: Russia ready for cooperation to settle Syrian conflict

MOSCOW, Oct 21 (PRIME) -- Russia is ready to cooperate with other countries that are interested in a peaceful settlement of the Syrian conflict, President Vladimir Putin said at a meeting with his Syrian counterpart Bashar al-Assad on Tuesday, according to a report on the Kremlin’s Web site released Wednesday.

“The long-term settlement of the conflict could be achieved on the basis of a political process with participation of all political forces, ethnic and religious groups. And in the long run, the last word should be certainly left to the Syrian people,” Putin also said.

Russia is ready to make a contribution to the Syrian political process, he added.

“We are ready to do what we can, not only in the military action to fight terrorism in Syria, but also in the political process,” he said.

Al-Assad said he hoped that Moscow and Damascus will continue economic and political renovation of Syria.

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