(23.Oktober) Vladimir Putin has suggested the Syrian government could be ready to work with rebel groups that are willing to fight against the so-called Islamic State.

Mr Putin said he had asked President Bashar al-Assad how he would view such a force during his surprise visit to Moscow on Tuesday.

„He answered: ‚Positively‘,“ Mr Putin told a conference with foreign dignitaries in southern Russia.

„We are contemplating this and will try to implement it,“ he added.