Putin Supports US Proposal to Tackle IS Funding

Putin said on Thursday at the annual press conference for Russian and international journalists "Overall we support the initiative of the United States, including the preparation of a U.N. Security Council resolution on Syria."

The Russian president told the media that U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry presented him with the draft last Tuesday at the Kremlin, which Putin described as an acceptable proposal, despite needing some adjustments.

Putin clarified that the proposal represents an initiative by U.S. President Barack Obama, which signifies that the United States and Europe are concerned about the current situation in Syria, Iraq and Yemen.

"We are generally satisfied with this.

"I think the Syrian authorities would also be satisfied with this after they familiarize themselves with the draft, but they may not like parts of it," Putin said.

"In an attempt to resolve the crisis which has been going on for many years, a bloody conflict, compromise is always possible, but concessions must be made on both sides," the Russian leader explained.

Putin recalled that the Syrian conflict settlement plan agreed in Vienna includes a new constitution and holding elections in the Arab country.

As for the future of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, Putin insisted that only the Syrian people could decide who should govern them.

In this regard, the president maintained that Russia's airstrikes in Syria will continue as long as the Syrian army carries out operations against terrorist positions.

Thursday's televised press conference was covered by Russia's main TV channels and radio stations, and attended by 1,392 journalists.