Moscow, March 4 (RHC)-- Russian President Vladimir Putin told the leaders of Britain, France, Germany and Italy during a conference call Friday that the Syrian government’s decision to hold legislative elections in April does not contradict the peace process.

“The Russian side noted that a decision by the Syrian government to hold parliamentary elections in April 2016 is being conducted in accordance with the existing Syrian constitution and does not interfere with steps to build a peaceful process to solve the crisis,” the Kremlin said following the conference call.

The Russian president reassured French President Francois Hollande, UK Prime Minister David Cameron, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi of the need to continue to fight relentlessly against ISIS, al-Nusra and other terrorist organizations in Syria.

The Kremlin noted that the five leaders have confirmed that the application of the cessation of hostilities in Syria has yielded positive results.