Putin backs talks between Russian, US lawmakers on Syria

An initiative to send a delegation of Russian lawmakers for direct talks with their US colleagues on Syrian problem is timely and correct, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Monday.

"Indeed, in order to better understand each other, there is no other way but a direct and open dialogue with arguments and with the presentation of positions," Putin told the heads of parliament's upper and lower houses, Xinhua reported.

Putin expressed his belief that US lawmakers would better understand Moscow's stance over Syria after listening to the Russian lawmakers' arguments.

"Sure, our US colleagues could better understand and feel what the Russian position is. It would not be useless to listen to our American partners as well," he said.

Putin added that a dialogue between the lawmakers would also be a significant element for the development of Russian-US relations.

US President Barack Obama Saturday announced that he has decided to take military action against Syrian government targets. He sent Congress a draft resolution that authorises a US military strike over the alleged use of chemical weapons by Syrian government near Damascus Aug 21.

"We expect the US Congress will not support the offer to stage a provocation against Syria," the head of parliament's upper house, or the Federation Council, Valentina Matviyenko said.

She also asked Putin to invite a delegation of the US Congress to Russia.

The US Congress reconvenes Sep 9 after the summer recess.