Diplomatic Cross

Syria news Agency(S A N A) reported that President Vladimir Putin said it is important to exert joint efforts for pushing ahead with the political settlement to the crisis in Syria. S A N A Speaking at a joint press conference on Friday with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Moscow, Putin said that the joint efforts must be exerted in the framework of the political tracks of Geneva and Astana peace process. “Despite intricate external political circumstances and sticking points over several foreign files, Russia and Germany consider that it is important and useful to maintain periodical contacts between the two sides,” he said. The Russian president said that the crisis in Syria was on the agenda during bilateral talks. “We discussed the crisis in Syria and affirmed that it is important to jointly contribute to the political settlement on the basis of Geneva and Astana tracks, not to mention work to stabilize the situation and deliver humanitarian aid to the Syrian population.” “If...

Vladimir Putin has taken the presidential oath in the Kremlin after being re-elected to a fourth term. He pledged to do his best to keep Russia a prominent world power and make life better for the people. Putin was re-elected as president in March. His inauguration ceremony was held on Monday at the Kremlin Grand Palace. Three lavishly decorated grand halls – the Georgievsky, Aleksandrovsky, and Andreevsky, which form an enfilade – were used for the event . Dozens of dignitaries were invited. The presence of some was required by protocol, such as senior officials from parliament, the president’s office, the constitutional court, the central election commission, and Russia’s diplomatic corps. Other guests received their invitations for holding high merits, representing major religions in Russia, being distinguished business leaders or respected public figures. Honor guards dressed in their traditional dark blue uniforms brought through the halls to the podium the symbols of pow...