Russia pledges backing for new Syrian government, maintaining base talks
Russian leader Vladimir Putin assured the new authorities in Damascus that Moscow supports the "Syria's territorial integrity" and offered them "practical cooperation" in many areas, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov reported on Thursday.
Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed support for the new authorities in Damascus, emphasising that Moscow supports the "Syria's territorial integrity." According to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, Russia also offers "practical cooperation" in various areas.
New authorities in Damascus
Putin conveyed to Syria's interim president, Ahmed al-Shara, that Russia supports "efforts to stabilise the situation in the country as soon as possible in the interests of ensuring its sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity." This information was reported by Reuters, citing Peskov's statement quoted by Russian media.
Currently, rebel forces hold power in Damascus, having in December of last year overthrown the regime of Bashar al-Assad, a former ally of Moscow. Despite Russia (formerly the Soviet Union) having been a key partner of Assad for over 50 years, it now seeks to establish favourable relations with Syria's new leadership.
Military bases in Syria
With Assad's support, Russia gained access to military bases in Latakia and Tartus. The Kremlin hopes to continue using these facilities. Moscow and the interim government in Damascus have declared that the future of these bases will be the subject of negotiations.
Recall: In December of last year, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad fled to Russia after his regime was overthrown by rebels from the Islamist alliance Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) following 24 years of rule.
In January, media reported that the deposed dictator had been poisoned. He was then said to be treated in his home.
