Putin: will help find 'positive results' in Syria

Source: AP

BERLIN (AP) — President Vladimir Putin says Russia wants to help U.N. envoy Kofi Annan achieve "positive results" and prevent an all-out civil war in Syria.

Putin, who spoke after meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel Friday on his first trip abroad since returning to the presidency, rejected assertions that Moscow is propping up President Bashar Assad's regime and insisted it doesn't support any party to the country's conflict.

Putin says Russia will remain in contact with Assad and the Syrian leadership and will do "everything to resolve this conflict." He insisted that nothing could be imposed by force but was vague about what "political instruments" exactly Russia might be prepared to use.


Read more: http://www.chron.com/news/article/Putin-will-help-find-positive-results-in-Syria-3601212.php

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Germany, Russia agree on ‘political solution’ for Syria; Assad forces fire on protesters

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Friday that she and Russian President Vladimir Putin both favored a political solution in Syria.

“The latest massacre in Houla showed once again how terrible the human and human rights situation is in Syria,” Merkel said at a joint news conference with Putin after talks in Berlin.

“We both made clear that we want a political solution, and that the Annan plan can be a starting point, but we must work with all our energy and force, particularly in the U.N. Security Council, on implementing this plan and if necessary developing other political actions.”

President Putin on the other hand said “Russia supports neither side in Syria”.

The Russian President said he saw signs that a civil war was breaking out in strife-torn Syria.

more:
http://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2012/06/01/217945.html