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Conflict in Syria

Putin: Syria does not intend to fight with Israel

Accorging to the Russian president, Syria is in a position when maintaining its own nationhood comes to the forefront

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Mikhail Metzel/TASS

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

© Mikhail Metzel/TASS

MOSCOW./TAS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday expressed confidence that Syria does not need warfare with Israel.

"As for shelling, we know, we condemn that shelling. As far as I know, makeshift missile systems are used in it," he said at talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

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"As for Syria, we know and understand that the Syrian army and Syria on the whole is in a position when maintaining its own nationhood comes to the forefront, not opening a second front," Putin said.

The Russian leader said he understood concerns of the Israeli leadership. "I am very glad that you have come to discuss all details," he added.

According to the Israeli prime minister, Iran and Syria are trying to create another terrorist front against Israel on the Golan Heights.

"Iran and Syria are trying to create the second terrorist front against us on the Golan Heights," he said. Netanyahu noted that Israel is taking measures to disrupt supplying weapons and opening the second front on the Golan Heights.

Russia’s policy in Middle East will always be responsible

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has paid a visit to Moscow because he is concerned with the deteriorating situation in the Middle East.

"Israel and Russia have common interests-ensuring stability in the Middle East. I am here because of the complicated security situation, it is becoming more and more complicated," Netanyahu said at the meeting. The prime minister noted that situation has been deteriorating, especially over the last months. "As you know, Iran and Syria are arming a radical Islamist terrorist group with modern weapons aimed against our country. Over the last years, thousands of rockets were used against the residents of Israel," he said.

"In such conditions, I thought it is very important to come here in order to explain our positions and do everything possible so that there are no misunderstandings between our countries," the prime minister said.

He added that "dialogue between us has always been in the spirit of mutual respect" even when sides held different positions. "I am confident that it will continue like this," he stressed.

Putin in his turn said that Moscow’s position in the Middle East will always remain responsible.

"Great many people from the former Soviet Union live in the state of Israel, and this has special impact on our inter-state relations, and all of Russia’s actions in the region will always be responsible," Putin said at a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

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Vladimir Putin Syria Israel Benjamin Netanyahu

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