Stating that Russia wants to see Syria quickly “stabilized,” Kremlin Spokesman, Dmitry Peskov denounced Israel’s strikes on the country and the creation of a “buffer zone” along the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights.
Israel has launched a ground invasion into the UN-patrolled buffer zone that separates Syria from the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights, territory that Israel seized from Syria in 1967 and unilaterally annexed in 1981.
Peskov asserted that Israel’s actions in the occupied Golan Heights and the buffer zone are unlikely to contribute to the stabilisation of the situation in Syria.
During his regular press briefing, he told journalists that Russia had achieved its aims when it intervened in the Syrian civil war on behalf of the deposed Assad regime.
“Russia helped the Syrian Arab Republic to deal with terrorists at one time and helped to stabilise the situation after this situation threatened the entire region. And it spent a lot of effort for this. Then Russia fulfilled its mission.
“And then the leadership of Assad worked in their country, was engaged in development in their country, but, unfortunately, [it] led to the situation that exists now. Now we need to proceed from the realities that currently exist on the ground.”
Dmitry Peskov
Peskov asserted that the security of Russia’s bases in Syria is of paramount importance.
During his regular daily media briefing, Peskov disclosed that Russia is closely monitoring everything that is happening in Syria, and maintains contacts with “those who are currently controlling the situation.” “This is necessary because our bases are there, our diplomatic missions are there,” he added.
Peskov declined to say how many Russian troops were in Syria, insisting that was a matter for Russia’s ministry of defence.
He also declined to say how relations with the rebel leadership in Syria were developing, telling journalists, “too little time has passed so far … therefore, I cannot say anything in more detail.”
Russia has a major air base in Latakia province and a naval facility at Tartous, which Reuters reports is Russia’s only Mediterranean repair and replenishment hub.
Asked how a potential change of government in Syria would affect Moscow’s geopolitical influence in the Middle East, the Kremlin Spokesman emphasized that Russia maintains dialogue with all countries in the region. “We are committed to continuing in this manner,” Peskov said.
Peskov had no comment on the situation regarding the evacuation of former Syrian President Bashar Assad from Syria. “I have nothing to add to what was said earlier on this topic, on the details,” he said in response to questions from reporters.
Earlier, a Kremlin source said that Assad and his family members had arrived in Moscow. Russia granted them asylum on humanitarian grounds.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister, Sergey Ryabkov later said that Assad had been brought to Russia “in the safest way possible.”
Russia Warns Citizens In Syria To Take Precautions Amid Security Threats
Moreover, Russia has told its citizens in Syria to take maximum precautions and avoid crowded places.
In a press briefing, Russia’s foreign ministry Spokesperson, Maria Zakharova issued the warning, and said her country’s embassy was operating in Syria “under conditions of extremely high security threats.”
She was reported as calling on the international community to refrain from what she described as provocative rhetoric that can negatively affect the situation in Syria. “We call on all parties involved to take a responsible approach and contribute to the speedy restoration of security and stability in the country,” Zakharova added.
Zakharova reassured that Russian facilities and assets in Syria are safeguarded by international law.
She appealed for responsible actions among all parties in Syria to expedite the restoration of peace and stability.
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