Bashar al-Assad was supposed to be granted asylum in Russia. There is also a reaction from the Kremlin.
The Russian government announced that President Vladimir Putin has granted asylum to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. “Such decisions cannot be taken without the head of state,” Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.
The Kremlin announced on Monday that President Vladimir Putin had decided to grant asylum to Russia to Bashar al-Assad, who was ousted from power. Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Monday that he had “nothing to say” about the Syrian president's whereabouts.
He stressed that decisions regarding asylum rest with the president. “Such decisions cannot be taken without the head of state, and this is the head of state's decision,” Peskov said.
Syria. Kremlin comments on presidential defection allegations
Mr. Peskov also referred to the situation in Damascus. – What happened surprised the whole world, and in this case we are no exception, – he noted.
See: Emergency Session of the United Nations Security Council. It's about Syria.
On Sunday, hours after rebels seized power in Syria, Russian news agencies reported, citing reliable sources in the Kremlin, that Bashar al-Assad had been seen in Moscow. It was later announced that the politician and his family had been granted asylum. According to AFP news agency, Assad's son is studying in the Russian capital.
Russia has important military bases in Syria
Syria is home to important Russian military and naval bases. Peskov acknowledged that the situation was complex, but said: “It's too early to talk about it.” He added that this was a topic to be discussed “with those who govern Syria.”
See also: US bombs Syria. Dozens of targets were attacked
– We are taking all possible and necessary steps to contact safe parties. He said our military is also taking precautionary measures.
On Monday, the Syrian embassy in Moscow displayed a rebel flag on the building, but a spokesperson said the facility was operating normally.
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