Putin, Netanyahu discuss Syrian settlement, regional stability MOSCOW, May 14 (Xinhua) -- Russia and Israel agreed Tuesday that the continuation of violence in Syria would lead to dire consequences for that country and the entire region. "It is only the soonest possible termination of armed conflicts and hostilities and transition to a political settlement that can prevent a negative scenario," President Vladimir Putin said during a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the Black Sea resort of Sochi. It was "especially important today to avoid any action that can undermine the situation," Putin added. Netanyahu agreed that the Middle East has been an unstable and explosion-prone region. "This is why I am glad to discuss the ways of stabilization in the region to bring about more security and calm there," he said. The leaders also discussed bilateral economic cooperation between Russia and Israel, according to the Kremlin's press service. U.S. calls to avoid exacerbation over Syria crisis BEIRUT, May 14 (Xinhua) -- Visiting special assistant to U.S. President and White House coordinator for the Middle East, North Africa and Gulf Region Philip Gordon expressed Tuesday the United States' grave concern about the situation in Syria, calling on all parties in the region "to avoid any actions that would exacerbate the crisis in Syria." According to a statement by the U.S. embassy in Beirut, Gordon condemned the continued shelling of Lebanese territory from Syria and Hezbollah's involvement in Syria, fighting on behalf of Bashar Assad the regime, "which risks drawing Lebanon into the conflict and is counter to the Lebanese government's policies."