"We also exchanged views on the state of affairs in Syria, spoke in favor of the activation of the negotiation process within the framework of the Astana and Geneva format. We are convinced that the solution of the Syrian issue can only be found by peaceful means and under the UN auspices," Putin said.
According to Putin, Russia stands for a thorough investigation of the events in Syria's Khan Sheikhoun, the perpetrators must be found and punished.
"The Russian side noted the need for a thorough and comprehensive investigation of the incident in Khan Sheikhoun on April 4. We strongly condemn any use of chemical weapons, those guilty of the death of peaceful Syrians must certainly be found and punished, but this can only be done as a result of a thorough and impartial investigation," Putin said.
On April 4, the National Coalition for Syrian Revolutionary and Opposition Forces blamed the Syrian government for the incident in Khan Sheikhoun, which allegedly involved the use of chemical weapons. Damascus denied any involvement in the incident and the Syrian army said it did not possess chemical weapons as they had been destroyed by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). The incident was used by the United States as pretext for a missile strike against a Syrian military airbase on April 7.
"The Syrian people has the greatest influence upon President Assad. It is obviously divided, and inside the Syrian society we see great problems. Our task is to create conditions for unification, for cessation of hostilities, for the termination of mutual destruction, create conditions for political interaction of all opposing forces," Putin told reporters.
