NOVO-OGARYOVO, September 2 (RIA Novosti) – President Vladimir Putin on Monday backed an initiative by Russian lawmakers to establish dialogue with their US counterparts and resolve the Syria situation without the use of force.
The initiative was put forward by both houses of the Russian parliament at a meeting with Putin, who praised it as “very timely,” expressing hope that it would give US lawmakers “a better feel and understanding of the Russian position.”
The initiative, announced by upper house Speaker Valentina Matviyenko, includes a plan to invite US senators and representatives to Moscow.
It is unacceptable to use force without a UN sanction and “without a good reason,” Matviyenko said.
Putin assured the Russian lawmakers that he would do all he could to facilitate such bilateral talks.
US President Barack Obama said Saturday that his country was considering a “limited” attack in Syria. According to the United Nations, more than 100,000 people have died so far in the two-year civil war.
The United States on Friday released a report saying Syria’s government was responsible for a chemical attack that purportedly killed hundreds of civilians in a Damascus suburb late last month. The Syrian regime has consistently denied that allegation.
