Hollande, Merkel urge Putin to target "only" IS positions in Syria

Russia warplanes have to strike "only" Islamic States (IS) targets in Syria amid "confusion" over Moscow air forces attacks on rebel groups, French President Francois Hollande and German Chancellor Angela Merkel told Russian leader Vladimir Putin at a Paris meeting on Friday.

"I reminded President Putin that the strikes must concern only Daech (IS) and we do not make other targets," Hollande said Friday in joint press conference with Merkel.

"On that basis, we have to hold everyone to their responsibilities," he added.

After Normandy quartet talks on Ukrainian crisis with top leaders of Ukraine and Russia, Merkel said very clearly that "Daech was the enemy and must be fought," recalling the necessity to promote a political solution to end the civil war in Syria.

Ahead of the meeting on Ukraine's future, Hollande had private talks with Russian president over Syrian conflict in attempt to narrow differences over the role of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in the potential political transition in Damascus.

A source close to the Elysee cited "extensive discussions" between both leaders without confirming if they came out with a common stance.

Paris meeting came a few days after Russia struck areas of Homs province, its first military operation in the shaky Middle East region in decades.

Russia said the activity in Syria was directed against the Islamist fighters. However, the United Sates and its allies fear that such moves would support al-Assad and help Russia to build strong force in the region. Endit