Putin grants asylum to Assad amid Syrian power shift
- The decision to grant political asylum to Bashar al-Assad and his family was made by the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters. - It is his decision, he emphasized.
In a conversation with journalists, Peskov refused to answer questions about the current whereabouts of the ousted Syrian leader and when Putin last met with Bashar al-Assad. He added that there are no plans for such a meeting in the Russian president's schedule in the near future.
The Kremlin spokesman was also asked whether Russia intends to maintain its military bases in Syria, in Tartus and Hmeimim.
Will Russian bases in Syria remain?
- It is too early to discuss this. In any case, it is all subject to discussions with those who will be in power in Syria. Now we see that there is a period of transformation and extreme instability there. It will take some time, and then there will be serious talks with those who will be in power, the Kremlin spokesman replied.
Asked about the security of these bases, he replied, "Russia is establishing contacts with those who can ensure the security of its troops in Syria."
During the night from Saturday to Sunday, world media reported that Assad had left Damascus on board a plane heading in an unknown direction.
On Sunday, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that Assad had left the presidency and Syria and "ordered the peaceful transfer of power." Russian media reported that the Syrian leader and his family members received asylum in Moscow on humanitarian grounds.
Source: ria.ru, tass.ru
