Putin Wants Better Relations With Next US President

Russian President Vladimir Putin said he wants to develop better ties with the United States no matter who wins next year's U.S. presidential election.

In his annual news conference with international reporters, Putin said he is ready to work with any president the American people elect.

He said his talks with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry earlier this week indicated that the U.S. is ready to move toward "settling issues that can only be settled through joint efforts."

Regarding Syria, Putin said the Russian military operation will continue until a political process starts. And he said the Syrian people must determine who rules the country. He also said he does not know whether Russia needs a permanent military base in Syria.

On Turkey, which recently shot down a Russian warplane, Putin said he sees no possibility of overcoming the strained ties with the current Turkish leadership. He said he was shocked to see that Turkey hadn't tried to explain its action but turned to help from NATO instead...
  voanews.com
17/12/15