Obama clear that military strikes against Syria necessary

Obama clear that military strikes against Syria necessary

G20: Putin can't avoid Syria in closing speech

Delivering his closing address as leader of the G20 summit's host nation, Russian President Vladimir Putin was keen to focus on the economic decisions made by its delegates.

Along with closing in on large companies avoiding tax, job creation and debt reduction were key points in his speech. 

President Putin confirmed he held talks with US President Barack Obama over Syria on Thursday night, but neither party was prepared to alter their view on how to resolve the conflict. He called the talks "informative, constructive and amicable. 
We listened to each other and understood each other's position, but we don't agree. He doesn't agree with my arguments, and I don't agree with his, but at least we heard each other and tried to analyse things"

Although the emphasis of President Putin's speech was firmly on economic matters, he was unable to avoid the dark cloud of Syria overshadowing which has overshadowed the talks throughout.

Putin's full speech at G20 closing press conference Obama's full speech at G20 closing press conference Welcoming ceremony *Also read* Syria's deputy foreign minister on accusations over chemical weapons Assad threatens France with retaliation if it attacks Syrian forces.

Making his closing remarks at a divided and fractious G20 summit in St Petersburg, US President Barack Obama, outlined his reasons for backing limited military intervention in Syria.

In a serious and emotional tone the president said: "Over 1400 people were gased. Over 400 of them were children. This is not something we've fabricated. This is not something we are using as an excuse for military action. As I said last night, I was elected to end wars, not to start them."

Obama says he is to address the American people from the White House on Tuesday on the issue of limited strikes on Syria and seek permission from Congress within the coming weeks.

Putin's full speech at G20 closing press conference Obama's full speech at G20 closing press conference Welcoming ceremony *Also read* Syria's deputy foreign minister on accusations over chemical weapons Assad threatens France with retaliation if it attacks Syrian forces