29.01.2025 22:00
The new leader of Syria, Ahmed al-Shara, has requested the return of the ousted leader Bashar al-Assad from Russia, and the terms of his offer have also become clear. It has been learned that al-Shara would allow Russia to maintain its presence at the Tartus and Hmeymim military bases if Assad is handed over to them.
The new leader of Syria, Ahmed al-Shara, demanded the return of Assad in exchange for the presence of Russian military bases in Tartus and Hmeymim.
FIRST MEETING BETWEEN RUSSIA AND SYRIA'S NEW GOVERNMENT
Following the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad in Syria, the new leader Ahmed al-Shara met with a Russian delegation led by Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov, who was the first Russian official to visit Damascus since the fall of the Assad regime. Mikhail Bogdanov stated that the status of Russian military facilities in Tartus and Hmeymim had not changed, but he did not make any comments regarding Syria's request.
MILITARY BASES IN EXCHANGE FOR ASSAD
However, a Syrian official speaking to Reuters stated that al-Shara demanded the return of the ousted leader Bashar al-Assad, who has sought refuge in Russia. The unnamed official noted that Damascus also wanted Russia, which supported Assad in the country's civil war, to rebuild trust through "concrete measures such as compensation, reconstruction, and recovery." Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov did not respond to reporters' questions about Syria's demand for Assad's return in exchange for allowing the continued presence of Russian military bases in the country.
"THE STATUS OF RUSSIAN MILITARY FACILITIES IN TARTUS AND HMEYMIM HAS NOT CHANGED"
Attending the meeting held yesterday were Syrian Foreign Minister Assad Hasan Sheikh Bani, Health Minister Mahir al-Shara, and representatives of Russian government institutions. Deputy Minister Bogdanov stated, "We confirmed that the relations between our countries are of a strategic nature and aim to preserve the unity and independence of the Syrian Arab Republic." Bogdanov emphasized that the change in administration in Damascus would not "change the nature" of Russia-Syria relations. He noted that the issue of Russia's continued military presence in Syria was also discussed, but no specific agreements were made, stating, "As far as we know, the status of Russian military facilities in Tartus and Hmeymim has not changed. We agreed to maintain comprehensive dialogue in all areas of cooperation between our countries." Bogdanov highlighted that Moscow is ready to assist in stabilizing the situation in Syria and addressing economic and social challenges, while the new Damascus administration has shown "understanding and interest" in Russia's position.
Bogdanov expressed that the meeting in Damascus was "constructive and positive." He emphasized that both sides promised to deepen relations in various fields such as infrastructure, electricity, oil and gas, agriculture, fertilizers, and railways, stating that Moscow is ready to support Syria's reconstruction process and host Syrian delegations whenever they request.
"RUSSIAN COMPANIES ARE READY TO CONTINUE INVESTING"
Bogdanov stated that the Russian military facilities in Tartus and Hmeymim in northwestern Syria were not affected by the recent political changes in Syria. He addressed reports regarding the cancellation of the contract for the operation of Tartus Port, stating that it was "entirely commercial" and could likely be resolved amicably. Bogdanov emphasized that Russian companies are ready to continue investing in the port despite previous obstacles.