Syria's new transitional government has said that Russia should reconsider its presence in the country. The statement came a week after the overthrow of the long-running Bashar al-Assad regime. The new government also says it is ready to engage with all countries to pave the way for a new future for Syria, EuroNews reports.
The spokesman for the political department of the new transitional government of Syria called on Russia to reconsider its presence in the country, which became their ally after the overthrow of the Assad regime.
The outlet notes that a convoy of Russian military equipment was spotted heading from the coastal city of Latakia south towards the city of Tartus.
Russia has 2 military bases in Syria: the Khmeimim airbase near the port city of Latakia and the naval base in the city of Tartus on the Mediterranean coast. They are considered one of the Kremlin's most strategically important military outposts.
The Tartus facility is particularly critical, as it provides Russia with its only direct access to the Mediterranean Sea and a base for naval exercises, warships and even the deployment of nuclear submarines.
Western analysts and intelligence say that the Kremlin is involved in a large-scale withdrawal from Syria, although Moscow has not yet confirmed this.
Obeida Arnaout, spokesperson for the new Syrian transitional government appointed by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) rebel group responsible for the overthrow of Assad, says Russia's recent actions in Syria have been ambiguous.
He notes that their decision to withdraw naval ships from ports and move fleets of military equipment from bases does not clearly indicate whether the Kremlin is truly retreating or whether this is part of their regular movements.
‘I believe that Russia should reconsider its presence in Syria, as well as its interests. Their interests were linked to the criminal Assad regime. They can rethink and take the initiative to reach out to the new administration to show that they have no enmity with the Syrian people and that the era of the Assad regime is finally over,’ he said.
Arnaout says the new government is in high-level talks with many countries around the world. Speaking to Arab media, he stressed that Syria has entered a new phase, a phase focused on healing decades of internal division and nearly 14 years of brutal fighting.
He went on to say that Syria's new policy is one of openness, an approach that aims to build good relations with its neighbours and the world.
Last week, Reuters reported that Russia was withdrawing its troops but not leaving Syria. According to the publication, the Russians plan to remain at their two main military bases in the country.