An aide to Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday that Russia is providing Syria with arms on a legal basis.

An aide to Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday that Russia is providing Syria with arms on a legal basis, Russia Today news website reported.

Yuri Ushakov told reporters that he had no information about new arms deals with Syria.

"I do not have any information about new deals, but our president (Putin) has repeatedly stressed that the (existing) transactions were held on a legal basis with the legitimate Syrian government," he said.

Ushakov stated also that the Russian - Syria contracts which were signed earlier are currently implemented.

Touching on preparations for the Geneva II international conference on Syria, the Presidential aide pointed out that the final statement issued by the G8 summit in Northern Ireland includes emphasis on the need to hold the conference as soon as possible, but it is difficult to talk about any specific dates.

"Various parties, including the G8 member states, have been working and still work with potential participants in the conference. The Syrian leadership has approved to participate in the Geneva II due to our effective efforts," Ushakov said.