The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a statement regarding developments in Syria, noting that President Bashar al-Assad independently decided to step down.
“After discussions with various participants in the Syrian conflict, President Bashar al-Assad decided to withdraw and leave Syria, issuing instructions for a peaceful transfer of power. Russia did not participate in these negotiations,” reads a post published on the Ministry’s official Telegram channel.
The statement emphasizes that Russia is closely and cautiously monitoring the situation in Syria.
“At the same time, we appeal to all involved parties with a strong call to renounce the use of violence and resolve all governance issues through political means. In this regard, the Russian Federation is in contact with all groups within the Syrian opposition,” the statement adds.
It further notes that Russia “calls for respecting the views of all ethnoconfessional forces within Syrian society and supports efforts to establish an inclusive political process based on Resolution 2254, unanimously adopted by the UN Security Council.”
FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK:
“We hope that the UN and all interested parties will consider these approaches, including within the framework of implementing the initiative of UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, to urgently organize negotiations in Geneva,” the Ministry said.
The statement also highlights that Russia is taking all necessary measures to ensure the safety of its citizens in Syria.
“Russian military bases in Syria are on high alert. At this moment, there is no significant threat to their security,” the Ministry added.
It should be recalled that Bashar al-Assad left Damascus by plane this morning, almost simultaneously with the entry of rebel forces into the capital.
READ MORE:
“NO ONE CAN DENY”: Croatia officially acknowledges genocide against Serbs in ISH (NDH)
SERBS DELIGHTED: American christmas movie filmed in popular Serbian mountain! (VIDEO)
Source: Telegraf Photo:Vladimir Gerdo/Sputnik/Kremlin/EPA]