Moscow (TDI): Russia said on Wednesday it had engaged in “frank” discussions with Syria’s new de facto leader while seeking to maintain its two military bases in the country.
While, Syrian leader Ahmed Al-Sharaa requested Moscow to hand over former Syrian president Bashar Assad, who fled to Russia when he was toppled by Sharaa’s rebels in December, Reuters reported.
Russia, whose troops and air force supported Assad for years against Syrian rebels, is seeking to retain its naval base in Tartous and Hmeimim air base near the port city of Latakia.
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Losing them would deal a major blow to its ability to project power in the region.
The new Syrian administration stated after Tuesday’s talks with a Russian delegation headed by Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov that it had “emphasized that restoring ties must address past mistakes, respect the will of the Syrian nationals and serve their interests.”
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Russia’s foreign ministry said there had been a “frank discussion of the entire range of matters.”
It stated that both sides would continue discussions to explore “relevant deals,” without specifically mentioning the two bases.