Kremlin says it supports coalition with West to fight terrorism

The Kremlin on Monday showed its support to form a united international coaltion with coordinated efforts, saying it is the only effective way to fight global terrorism.

"President (Vladimir) Putin has repeatedly emphasized our belief that an effective campaign against these dangerous developments is only possible on the platform of a united coalition and an absolute coordination of joint efforts," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. < Commenting on U.S. President Barack Obama's remarks on the joint fight against terrorism, Peskov said the Islamic State (IS) extremist group, also known as ISIL or ISIS, "represents a common threat to all of us."

In his Sunday address, Obama said the international community has begun to establish a process and timeline to pursue ceasefires and a political resolution to the Syrian war, which would allow the "Syrian people and every country, including our allies, but also countries like Russia to focus on the common goal of destroying the ISIL."

In response to remarks of London's Mayor Boris Johnson, who called on the West to work with Russia against the IS, Peskov said "such a willingness of London to cooperate, as we see it, corresponds completely with what I have mentioned before: the consistent position of Russia."

The spokesman, however, refused to comment on reports suggesting that the U.S.-led coalition has bombarded a Syrian army camp. "You'd better ask our military colleagues about this question," Peskov said.

Russia launched its air campaign against IS targets in Syria late September at the request of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, which the Kremlin said has significantly diminished the combat capability of the terrorist group. Endi