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Conflict in Syria

Putin: Militants in Syria plotting provocations with the use of toxic agents

The Russian leader said terrorists employ all possible means

© EPA/MOHAMMED BADRA

ANKARA, April 4./TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday Russia has information about terrorists’ attempts to stage provocations with the use of chemical agents.

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"Our common strategic goal is an ultimate defeat of terrorists, who continue attempts to destabilize the situation on the ground, try to derail efforts to advance a peace process," Putin told reporters after a summit meeting of Russia, Turkey and Iran - the guarantors of the Astana process.

Putin said terrorists employ all possible means. "We have received hard evidence that militants are plotting provocations with the use of toxic agents," the president said.

He said that with this in view, the participants in the Ankara summit "agreed to build up three-party coordination on all aspects of anti-terrorist fight, increase the information exchange".

The Russian leader thanked his Turkish and Iranian counterparts "for substantial and productive negotiations". "I am confident that necessary practical measures will be taken on the heels of the summit, and the results will contribute to further productive work in the interests of finally having peace and stability in Syria," the Russian president summed up.

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Vladimir Putin Syrian conflict

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