Putin says only Syrian people can decide whether Assad should rule or not

June 20, 2012 | World News | Written by

Moscow, June 20: Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that only Syrians have the right to decide whether President Bashar Assad should quit.

Putin pointed out that not all Syrians want a change in leadership and that all parties need to negotiate a solution to end violence in the country.

He publicly confirmed the joint US-Russia statement while speaking at the Group of 20, Fox News reports.

Putin and U.S. President Barack Obama agreed that Syrians should choose their next government.

According to the report, Putin said he wants to avoid a situation like Libya and other North African countries, where violence continues despite regime changes. (ANI)