DHAKA: Russia’s President Vladimir Putin has cancelled a planned visit to France amid a row over Syria.

He had been due to meet French President Francois Hollande and open a new Orthodox church later this month.

But after France’s government said talks would be confined to Syria the visit was halted, French presidential sources said, reports the BBC.

On Monday, Hollande suggested Russia could face war crimes charges over its bombardment of Syria’s city of Aleppo.

The French presidency had told the Russians Hollande would attend only one event with Putin during the visit planned for 19 October - a working meeting on Syria, according to the sources.

But after this Russia “let it be known that it wanted to postpone the visit”, they added.

A spokesman for Putin confirmed the trip had been cancelled, adding that the visit would take place when it becomes “comfortable for President Hollande”.

Despite this Hollande has said he will meet Putin at “any time” if it would “further peace”.

The development comes a day after Hollande told French TV that prosecutions over Syria could take place in the International Criminal Court (ICC).

“These are people who today are the victims of war crimes. Those that commit these acts will have to face up to their responsibility, including in the ICC,” he said.

Neither Russia nor Syria is a member of the ICC.

Moscow has repeatedly denied attacking civilians, and says it targets terrorist groups in Syria.

BDST: 2056 HRS, OCT 11, 2016
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