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Putin: Russia could join air strikes against Islamic State

Barack Obama and Vladimir Putin discussed the possibility of Russian involvement in the military campaign against the so-called Islamic State (IS) during their meeting on Monday.

In a meeting on the sidelines of the event, Barack Obama and Vladimir Putin agreed a political solution to the crisis was necessary, but continue to disagree on the fate of Syria's president Bashar al-Assad.

Obama labeled Assad a "tyrant", but Putin said it would be an "enormous mistake" to refuse to work with the Syrian government.

Secretary-general Ban Ki-moon has called for the situation in Syria to be referred to the International Criminal Court.

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Differences remain between Obama and Putin on Syria

The two leaders met on the sideline of the UN sumit Credit: PA

Barack Obama and Vladimir Putin have agreed to explore a political solution to Syria's conflict, but continue to disagree on the future of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, according to a US official.

During the two leaders' 90-minute meeting on the sidelines of the UN summit, Mr Obama told Mr Putin that he saw no path to stability in Syria if Assad remains in power, according to the official.

The two leaders spent about half their meeting discussing Syria, and half discussing Ukraine, Mr Obama said.

Mr Putin said the meeting was "very useful and frank".

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Putin: Russia could join air strikes against Islamic State

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