OR Russia has opened a channel of communication with the political committee of the Islamist guerrilla organization in SyriaHayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), Interfax news agency reported citing Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov.
Bogdanov told reporters that Russia wants to keep its military bases in Syria to continue “fighting international terrorism.” He claimed that contacts with HTS, which has been in power in Syria since the overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad, were “progressing in a constructive manner”.
He also said that Russia hopes the organization will fulfill its commitments to safeguard public order and the safety of diplomats and foreigners, as well as prevent any attempt to abuse power.
Bogdanov said Russia hopes to keep its two bases in Syria – the naval base in Tartus and the Khmeimim airbase near Latakia – to continue fighting international terrorism. “The bases remain where they were, on Syrian soil. No other decisions have been made, so far,” he said.
“They were there at the request of the Syrians, with the aim of fighting Islamic State (IS) terrorists. I think everyone shares the opinion that the fight against terrorism and what is left of IS is not over,” added the Russian Deputy Foreign Minister.
To continue the fight against international terrorism, Bogdanov said, “collective efforts” are needed, and the Russian military presence in Syria “has played an important role” in that fight.