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Syria to be top on agenda at Putin’s talks with Turkish PM

Russia and Turkey are among the countries whose stance determines to a large extent the search for ways for the settlement of the Syrian crisis

ISTANBUL, December 3 (Itar-Tass) — The situation in Syria will be top on the agenda at talks of visiting Russian President Vladimir Putin with Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, a high-ranking official from the Russian delegation told Tass.

Russia and Turkey are among the countries whose stance determines to a large extent the search for ways for the settlement of the Syrian crisis. Russian president’s aide Yuri Ushakov told reporters ahead of Putin’s visit that the sides would discuss “all nuances of the Syrian scenario”. He also admitted the existence of differences in approaches to the problem.

According to Ushakov, in discussing Syria, the Russian delegation will seek to achieve a better understanding of the sides’ stances. "Our purpose is to show that Russia's stance in this situation is the most constructive and correct one," he said.

Ushakov did not rule out that the interlocutors could also touch upon the incident in which a Syrian plane was forced to land in Turkey on its way from Moscow to Damascus on October 10. Turkey said it was carrying Russian-made munitions destined for Syria’s armed forces. There were 37 people on board, including 17 Russian nationals with children. The plane spent about nine hours in Turkey and then flew to Damascus. However, the Turkish side confiscated over a dozen of sealed containers from the plane. According to the Russian side it was absolutely legal cargo – electrical equipment for radar stations.

“We will also touch upon that issue, but the situation is difficult with it as the cargo belongs to the Syrian side. Now the acuteness of the problem has been removed, but the issue may be discussed,” Ushakov explained.