Syria conflict: Russia softens support for Assad
Russia says it is not crucial for Syria's President Bashar al-Assad to remain in power, backing away from previous support, a spokeswoman for the Russian foreign ministry has said.
When asked if saving the Syrian leader was a matter of principle for Russia, Maria Zakharova said: "Absolutely not, we never said that."
"We are not saying that Assad should leave or stay," she added.
Russia had previously said it objected to Mr Assad's government being toppled.
Russia had previously said it objected to Mr Assad's government being toppled.
Ms Zakharova said on the Ekho Moskvy radio station that whether Mr Assad stayed or stepped down was not critical for Russia, but that it was up to the Syrian people to decide his fate.
Russia is seen as one of Mr Assad's strongest backers and has previously strongly opposed the West's suggestions that the Syrian president should be ousted.
In September, Russia started carrying out air strikes against Islamic State targets in Syria at Syria's request.
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