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The conversation focused on the situation in Syria. Dmitry Medvedev gave a detailed explanation of Russia’s position and stressed the need to continue – including in the UN Security Council – the search for coordinated approaches that would enable the Syrians themselves to resolve the crisis, without external intervention and in full respect of Syria’s sovereignty. It was these considerations that motivated Russia and China to use their veto in the recent UN Security Council vote on a draft resolution that did not make it possible to reach an unbiased view of the situation in Syria and make sure that the appeal to end the bloodshed and agree to a ceasefire was addressed to both sides in the conflict. Such a resolution would not have helped in the search for a peaceful solution to the crisis. 

At Mr Erdogan’s request, Mr Medvedev also informed him about Russia’s efforts to encourage dialogue between the parties in the Syrian conflict and democratic transformation in Syria. The President particularly emphasised in this respect the results of the talks that Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Director of the Foreign Intelligence Service Mikhail Fradkov had on his instruction with President of Syria Bashar al-Assad. 

President Medvedev noted Turkey’s role as a player in the regional situation, its international authority, and its longstanding traditions of working with and living as a neighbour to Syria. This could be useful in organising a comprehensive dialogue between the different groups in Syria. Mr Medvedev and Mr Erdogan said they are ready to coordinate their actions in the interests of peacefully ending the Syrian crisis as soon as possible.

The conversation took place at Turkey’s initiative.