Russian Prez Putin vows to help Syria

St. Petersburg, Sept 7:

will help

in case of an external

, President

said here Friday.

"We will help Syria," Putin said while reponding to a question, whether Russia will help Syria if the Middle East country suffers an outside attack, during a press conference of the G20 Summit, Xinhua reported.

Moscow has been fulfilling its arms contract with Damascus, Putin said, adding it will strengthen cooperation with Syria in humanitarian sector.

According to the Russian president, the allegation of chemical weapons use in Syria is provocation of militants hoping for external support.

Russia will help Syria in case of an external military attack.

Kremlin press secretary Dmitry Peskov said the G20 leaders Thursday remained divided over the settlement of the Syrian conflict.

Putin said the half-half division over Syria was not correct, naming the US, Turkey, Canada, Saudi Arabia and France as countries backing military operation against Syria, while Russia, China, India, Indonesia, Argentina, Brazil, South Africa and Italy opposing the possible action.

British Prime Minister David Cameron has advocated a military solution in Syria but that country's parliament ruled out the option, Putin added.

"The German federal chancellor is also extremely cautious. Germany is not going to get involved into any military operations."

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon is also opposed to any military action against Syria without a UN mandate, Putin said.

IANS