Vladimir Putin calls for reconciliation in Syria

Russian President Vladimir Putin prepares to host his annual televised call-in show in central Moscow. ©AFP

Russian President Vladimir Putin says the Syrian people must sit down for political talks and adopt a new constitution for their country. 

In his annual televised phone-in on Thursday, Putin said Russia is doing everything to ensure the situation in Syria does not deteriorate, adding a political process rather than military operations will help achieve reconciliation.

"We very much hope that a political process, not the use of armed forces by both sides with support from whosoever, including our support, will lead to reconciliation,” he said.

“It is necessary to accept, reach an agreement, sit down at the negotiating table, adopt a constitution, hold early elections on the basis of the constitution and in such a way come out of the crisis," Putin added.