Moscow not defending Assad but intl law - Putin
MOSCOW/WASHINGTON. Sept 12 (Interfax) - Moscow is not defending the Bashar al-Assad regime in Syria but insists on observing international law in approaching the conflict in that country, Russian President Vladimir Putin said in an article published in the Wednesday issue of The New York Times.
"We are not protecting the Syrian government, but international law," Putin said. "From the outset, Russia has advocated peaceful dialogue enabling Syrians to develop a compromise plan for their own future," he said.
Russia keeps insisting on fully employing the UN Security Council resources, he said.
Putin pointed out that a new opportunity to avoid military action has emerged recently. "The United States, Russia and all members of the international community must take advantage of the Syrian government's willingness to place its chemical arsenal under international control for subsequent destruction," he said.
"Judging by the statements of President Obama, the United States sees this as an alternative to military action," he said.