“As a result of Bashar Assad’s talks with a number of participants in the armed conflict on the territory of the Syrian Arab Republic, he decided to step down from the post of president and left the country. At the same time, he issued instructions for a peaceful transfer of power,” the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a telegram. Russia emphasized that it did not take part in these negotiations.
It called on all parties to the conflict to renounce violence and resolve the administration of the country through political means: “In this regard, the Russian Federation is in contact with all groups of the Syrian opposition.”
The ministry said that “Russian military bases are on high alert” but their security is not now seriously threatened.
Asked by CNN if he knew where Assad was, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, who is in Doha, said: “I can’t comment on that, probably outside of Syria.”
A CNN source close to the rebels said even before the statement of the Russian Ministry that Assad left Damascus under Russian protection. Another added that he headed to Latakia, where there are Russian bases.
During Sunday, there were speculations that the plane carrying Assad could have crashed before leaving Syrian airspace.
The plane with Assad disappeared. There is speculation about his shooting down
Near and Middle East
