Putin, Merkel discuss Syria, Ukraine, Nord Stream 2 in phone call

Russian President Vladimir Putin drew German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s attention to the inadmissibility of provocations and speculation on the topic of the possible use of chemical weapons in Syria, the Kremlin press service said on Monday. Speaking by phone, the leaders exchanged views on the situation in Syria, including in the light of allegations by a number of Western states accusing Damascus of the use of chemical weapons, TASS said. Putin stressed the importance of consolidation of international efforts to normalize the humanitarian situation in Syria in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2401. In the call, Putin and Merkel agreed to continue joint efforts in the Normandy Four format towards settlement of the Ukrainian crisis, according to the statement. The two leaders also confirmed their positions in respect to the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project.