Syria demands extradition of Assad, reparations from Russia
The new Syrian authorities, led by Ahmed al-Shara, have demanded that Russia extradite Bashar al-Assad. The former leader of Syria received asylum in Moscow after fleeing the country.
Reuters reported on the demand for Russia to extradite Bashar al-Assad, citing a Syrian source with information on the discussions taking place in Damascus with the Russian delegation.
Meanwhile, the Syrian news agency Sana reported that Damascus wants Russia, which supported Assad during the more than decade-long civil war, to pay reparations and contribute to the reconstruction of the devastated country. However, Moscow does not want to acknowledge its responsibility, the source told Reuters.
Discussions with the Russian delegation, led by Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov, also concerned the restoration of relations between the two countries. The new Syrian authorities "stressed that restoring ties should take past mistakes into account, respect the Syrian people’s will and serve its interests."
Kremlin spokesperson refused to comment
The Russian foreign ministry reported that a "frank discussion" on various topics took place during the meeting. It added that the sides would continue contacts to seek "appropriate agreements." Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov on Wednesday refused to answer journalists' questions regarding the extradition of Assad and the payment of reparations.
For years, Russia supported Assad in the fight against Syrian rebels, involving its air force and special forces. Nonetheless, at the end of last year, a rapid offensive by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) overthrew Assad and forced him to flee Damascus. He was evacuated to Moscow.
The loss of power by Assad threatened Russian bases in Tartus and Khmeimim, which are of strategic importance to the Kremlin. Russia is open about its interest in maintaining these sites.
