New Syrian government wants Russia to 'reconsider' military presence

Syria's transitional government says Russia's recent military moves are ambiguous and has called on Moscow to reconsider its military presence in Syria.

Obeida Arnaout, who was appointed by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) as the spokesman for the Syrian transitional government, said Russia’s recent moves in Syria were ambiguous. Euronews reported on December 16 that a Russian military convoy was spotted traveling from the city of Latakia to the city of Tartus. Western analysts had previously said the Kremlin was carrying out a large-scale withdrawal from Syria, although Moscow has not commented on the information.

Mr. Arnaout emphasized that the information about Russia withdrawing naval ships from the port of Tartus and the movement of military convoys do not clearly show whether the Kremlin really wants to withdraw its troops or not. The new Syrian government believes that Russia currently has no reason to continue its presence in Syria.

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"I think Russia should reconsider its intention to be present in Syria as well as Moscow's interests. Russia's interests were previously closely tied to the government of former President Bashar al-Assad. At this time, they can consider and proactively approach the new government to prove that Moscow has no grudge against the Syrian people," Euronews quoted Mr. Arnaout as saying on December 16.

Russian military vehicles drive towards the Hmeimim airbase in Latakia city, Syria on December 15.

Mr. Arnaout added that the new government in Syria had held top-level phone calls with many countries, emphasizing that Syria had entered a new phase, focusing on healing after decades of division and nearly 14 years of fierce fighting.

On December 14, AFP reported that US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the US had "direct contact" with the HTS group. Later, the UK and the European Union (EU) also announced that they had contacted HTS, the group leading the Syrian transitional government.

Over the years, Russia has operated two military bases in Syria, including the Khmeimim air base near the port city of Latakia and the Tartus naval base in the eastern Mediterranean. These two bases are considered one of the most strategically important military outposts for Moscow in the Middle East, especially the Tartus port is currently the only place that can help Russian warships maintain a direct presence in the Mediterranean. Observers say that the failure of its ally, Mr. al-Assad, could significantly affect Russia's geopolitical strategy in the region in the coming time.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/chinh-phu-moi-syria-muon-nga-xem-xet-lai-hien-dien-quan-su-185241217103644289.htm