Bashar al-Assad Granted Asylum in Russia Amid Syria’s Political Upheaval
Moscow, The Gulf Observer: Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and his family have arrived in Russia and been granted asylum on humanitarian grounds, Russian news agencies reported on Sunday, citing an unnamed Kremlin source.
“President Assad of Syria has arrived in Moscow. Russia has granted them asylum on humanitarian grounds,” the Interfax news agency quoted the source as saying.
This development comes amid a rapid shift in Syria’s political landscape, with opposition forces advancing significantly in recent days. Syrian opposition leaders have assured the safety of Russian military bases and diplomatic missions within Syria. “Russian officials are in contact with representatives of the armed Syrian opposition, whose leaders have guaranteed the safety of Russian military bases and diplomatic institutions on the territory of Syria,” the TASS news agency reported.
In response to the escalating situation, Russia has requested an urgent meeting of the United Nations Security Council on Syria, scheduled for Monday.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the importance of an orderly political transition. “The future of Syria is a matter for the Syrians to determine,” Guterres said in a statement, highlighting the role of UN Special Envoy Geir Pedersen in facilitating this process.
“I reiterate my call for calm and avoiding violence at this sensitive time while protecting the rights of all Syrians,” Guterres added, stressing the need to maintain peace and stability in the region during this period of uncertainty.
The unfolding developments mark a significant turning point in Syria’s ongoing conflict, raising questions about the country’s political future and regional dynamics.
