Putin: Syrians must choose future

Russian President Vladimir Putin has said only the Syrian people have the right to decide whether their president Bashar Assad steps down.

Mr Putin said not all Syrians want a change in leadership and that all parties need to negotiate a solution to end the bloodshed.

Speaking at the G20 summit in Mexico, Mr Putin publicly confirmed the joint US-Russia statement issued on Monday.

Mr Putin and US President Barack Obama agreed on Monday that Syrians should choose their own next government, marking a subtle shift for both the US and Russia as they confront the prospect that Russia’s main ally in the Middle East could slide into civil war.

Mr Putin said he wants to avoid a situation like Libya and other North African countries, where violence continues despite regime changes.