Syria conflict: Russia΄s Putin 'delays France talks'

Russia΄s President Vladimir Putin has postponed a planned visit to France amid a row over Syria, French presidential sources say.
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Mr Putin had been due to go to Paris on 19 October for talks and to open a new Orthodox church.

On Monday, French President Francois Hollande suggested Russia could face war crimes charges over its bombardment of Syria's second city, Aleppo.

There has been no confirmation of the postponement from Russia.

The French presidency told the Russians Mr Hollande would only attend one event with Mr Putin during the visit this month - a working meeting on Syria, according to the sources.

But after this Russia "let it be known that it wanted to postpone the visit", they added.

It comes a day after Mr Hollande told French TV prosecutions over Syria could take place in the International Criminal Court (ICC).

"These are people who today are the victims of war crimes. Those that commit these acts will have to face up to their responsibility, including in the ICC," he said.

Neither Russia nor Syria is a member of the ICC.

Moscow has repeatedly denied attacking civilians, and says it targets terrorist groups in Syria.

Last week Russia vetoed a UN Security Council resolution drafted by France calling for an end to the bombing in Aleppo.

Source: bbc.com

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