“As a result of negotiations between Mr. Bashar al-Assad and a number of parties participating in the armed conflict on Syrian territory, Mr. al-Assad has decided to resign from the presidency and leave the country, giving directive for the peaceful transfer of power,” Reuters quoted a statement from the Russian Foreign Ministry on December 8.
Russia expressed concern about the situation in Syria and called on all parties to exercise restraint and resolve issues through political measures, adding that Russia has contacted opposition groups in Syria.
Russia did not specify Mr. Assad’s whereabouts, and emphasized that it did not participate in discussions about the developments of Mr. Assad’s departure from the country.
Mr. Bashar al-Assad
The Russian Foreign Ministry informed that Russian military bases in Syria have been placed on high alert, but there is currently no serious threat to them. Previously, the Russian Embassy in Syria said the embassy staff were “fine”. On December 6, the Russian Embassy asked citizens to leave Syria.
Russia is a supporter of President Bashar al-Assad in confrontations with armed opposition groups in Syria in recent years. However, experts say that Russia has focused on its military campaign in Ukraine and reduced its involvement in Syria.
US President-elect Donald Trump wrote on the social network Truth Social on December 8: “From the beginning, Russia had no reason to be there. They lost all interest in Syria because of Ukraine.”
Reuters on December 8 quoted Deputy Chairman of the Russian Senate Konstantin Kosachyov as saying that Moscow is ready to support the Syrian people in certain cases, but Syrians must resolve conflicts taking place within the country themselves.
Mr. Kosachyov commented that the conflict in Syria will not end even if Mr. Assad leaves the country. “Syria is a very difficult problem for everyone. The conflict will not end today (December 8). There are too many opposing interests and many opposing forces, so the hardest part is ahead.” , Mr. Kosachyov wrote on the Telegram channel.
