Russia has emphasized that Syrians should have the autonomy to shape their country’s future, calling for an “inclusive” government that represents Syria’s diverse ethnic and religious groups. This statement came from Russia’s Foreign Ministry on Monday, more than a week after the fall of President Bashar al-Assad, who had long been supported by Moscow. As power shifts towards commander Ahmed al-Sharaa, Russia is closely monitoring the situation.
“We believe that the path to a sustainable normalization of the situation in Syria lies in creating an inclusive dialogue among Syrians based on achieving national accord and moving forward with the complex process of a political settlement,” the ministry’s statement read.
Russia also stressed the importance of Syrians deciding their own future, underlining the longstanding relationship between the two nations. “For Russia, it is important that the future of Syria be set out by Syrians themselves. We believe that the relations of friendship and mutual respect between the peoples of our countries for decades will continue to develop constructively,” the statement added.
In its message, Moscow highlighted Syria’s long history of coexistence between Muslims and Christians, referencing the Damascus-based Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and All the East, which maintains close ties with the Russian Orthodox Church.
Meanwhile, the Kremlin clarified that no final decisions had been made regarding the future of Russia’s military presence in Syria. “We are in contact with those in charge of the country,” the Kremlin said.
Over the weekend, four Syrian officials informed Reuters that Russia was pulling back its military from northern Syria’s front lines and positions in the Alawite Mountains, although it would retain control of its two primary military bases in the country.
Bashar al-Assad, who was granted asylum in Russia, issued his first statement since his ousting, revealing that he was evacuated from the Hmeimim base on December 8 due to a drone attack. He had left Damascus earlier that day as rebel forces closed in.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
