Russia’s Foreign Ministry has reported that Syrian former leader Bashar al-Assad has left his country following “negotiations” with rebel representatives. According to the ministry, Assad has ordered a “peaceful transfer of power” on Sunday. Russia did not participate in these negotiations.
The ministry continued, stating that they are in contact with all opposition factions in Syria. “We call on respecting the views of all ethnic-religious forces in Syrian society and support efforts for an integrative political process based on the UN Security Council’s unanimously adopted Resolution 2254.”
Russian military bases on Syrian territory are, meanwhile, “at the highest alert level,” according to the report. There is currently no “serious threat” to their security.
Russia had long been a key supporter of the Assad regime. However, after the rebel offensive began last week, Moscow took a step back in its support for Assad.