Moscow confirms that Assad has stepped down as Syria’s president and fled the country
Bashar al-Assad “stepped down as president and left Syria,” the Russian Foreign Affairs Ministry confirmed on Sunday.
“Following negotiations between Mr. Assad and several participants in the armed conflict on the territory of the Syrian Arab Republic, he made the decision to step down as president and leave the country, issuing instructions to ensure a peaceful transfer of power. Russia did not participate in these negotiations,” Russian diplomats stated.
Moscow issued “a strong appeal to all involved parties” to refrain from violence and resolve all issues through political means. The ministry’s statement emphasizes that Russia “is in contact with all Syrian opposition groups.”
Moscow also reported that it’s taking “all necessary measures” to ensure the safety of Russian citizens in Syria.
“Russian military bases in Syria are on high alert. There is no serious threat to their security at the moment,” the Foreign Ministry added.
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