The media highlighted the remarks offered by the chief of the Kremlin to the US journalist Charlie Rose, of the television channel CBS, referring to the meeting next Monday in New York with his US counterpart, Barack Obama.
All sources cite an excerpt of the interview published on the website of the news chain, in which Putin holds that the conflict in Syria can only be resolved by strengthening the constitutional government and calling for dialogue with the terrorism-unrelated opponents.
At the same time, said the statesman, the Syrian authorities must carry out reforms, he said.
Asked if one of the objectives of the Kremlin in Syria is to save the government of that country, led by President Bashar al-Assad, Putin said yes.
He clarified that the acts aimed at destroying the legitimate government structures will create a situation similar to that seen in other countries in the region and elsewhere.
He mentioned Libya as a clear example, where anarchy prevails after the destruction of state institutions, and regretted that a similar situation is observed in Iraq.
In the published fragment of the interview, the Russian leader insisted that there is no other solution to the Syrian crisis than the strengthening of existing state institutions and the support to their fight against terrorism.
He stressed at the same time, that simultaneously Damascus should be called to dialogue with the healthy opposition and the implementation of reforms.
When asked regarding the point of view of Washington and its allies of the international coalition, who demand the ousting of President al-Assad, Putin stressed that “only the Syrian people should decide who runs the country and how.”
CBS said the full interview will be aired early next week.
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PL-18/MNA