Putin, Assad hold talks in Sochi

MOSCOW, Nov 21 (KUNA) -- Russian and Syrian Presidents, Vladimir Putin and Bashar Al-Assad, held an unannounced meeting in the Black Sea city of Sochi, discussing the current situation in Syria.
A statement by the Russian Presidency said that President Putin described the war in Syria was nearing its end, affirming that the war on "terror" was carried out successfully.
Putin stressed that it was important to launch political dialogue in Syria, deeming this process as the only way to achieve peace in the Middle Eastern country.
Putin informed President Al-Assad on the upcoming tri-summit meeting in Sochi, which will gather Russia, Iran, and Turkey.
Putin affirmed that there were efforts to bring peace to Syrian with other involved countries such as the United States, Iraq, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan, adding that the process should be held under the umbrella of the UN.
The talks in the city of Astana, Kazakhstan, had managed to create an opening for the Syrian regime and opposition to hold discussions on the future of Syria, stressed Putin.
On his part, President Al-Assad expressed his gratitude towards Russia for its efforts to bring solutions to the Syrian crisis.
He said that the issue in Syria issue be resolved through the charter of the United Nations, adding that any solution should focus on the unity of Syrian lands.
Al-Assad indicated that all parties involved in the Syrian situation should participate in the national conference, which will be held in the future.
He stressed that outside parties should stop their meddling in Syrian affairs to make sure that the peace process would go smoothly. (end) as.gta