Russia: Assad Leaves Syria and Orders Peaceful Transfer of Power

The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced in a statement today (Sunday) that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has stepped down and left the country after issuing orders for a peaceful transfer of power.

The statement did not specify Assad’s current whereabouts. It added that Russia was not involved in the negotiations concerning his departure. The statement read: “As a result of negotiations between Bashar al-Assad and several participants in the armed conflict within the territory of the Syrian Arab Republic, he decided to resign from the presidency and leave the country, giving orders for a peaceful transfer of power… Russia was not part of those negotiations.” It also emphasized that Moscow is deeply concerned about the developments in Syria and urged all parties to refrain from violence, according to Reuters.

“We urge all involved parties to refrain from using violence and to resolve governance-related issues through political means,” the statement added. “In this context, the Russian Federation is in communication with all factions of the Syrian opposition.”

The statement further noted that Russian military bases in Syria have been placed on high alert but currently face no serious threats.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs concluded: “The Russian military bases on Syrian soil are on high alert. At present, their safety is not under any significant threat.”