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18:38 GMT
PARIS, Dec 1 (KUNA) -- US President Barack Obama said Tuesday the rapid developments in the Middle East might force Russia to change its strategy in Syria.
At a news conference on sidelines of the UN summit on climate change, Obama the Russian police might change in the coming months following the downing of a Russian commercial airplane by ISIL over Sinai, Egypt, and Turkey's downing of a Russian military jet last week.
That might push Russia to realize that it is time to end the civil war in Syria, which has been ongoing since 2011, said Obama.
He said the US and Russia were still at odds over the fate of Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad.
Obama said the situation in Syria has not changed despite the Russian airstrikes.
He said Russia insisted on supporting Al-Assad and was less focus on fighting ISIL. Obama urged the Russians to change their strategy and abondon Al-Assad.
Al-Assad should pave way for the political transition, as well as involving moderate opposition groups. (pickup previous)
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