Germany: Possible Syria meeting with France, Russia, Turkey

BERLIN – German Chancellor Angela Merkel says officials are looking into the possibility of a four-way meeting on Syria involving Turkey, Russia, Germany and France.

The idea of such a meeting has been raised by Turkey. Asked about the possibility Friday, Merkel stressed that there are already two main formats for talks on Syria, both working closely with U.N. Syria envoy Staffan de Mistura.

But she added that “nevertheless, a meeting between Germany, France, Turkey and Russia could make sense — this must be well-prepared, so there is no date yet.” She said leaders’ advisers will do preparatory work to decide whether it’s worth holding such a meeting.

Syria is expected to be on the agenda when Merkel meets Russian President Vladimir Putin in Germany on Saturday.