Kremlin refuses to confirm if Assad in Russia

AFP | Moscow, Russia
Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

The Kremlin on Monday dismissed reports claiming that former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad had fled to Moscow, following his departure from Syria as Islamist-led rebels took over the capital, Damascus. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told journalists, “As for Mr. Assad’s whereabouts, I’ve got nothing to tell you.”

The reports, which emerged on Sunday, suggested that Assad and his family had sought refuge in Moscow after fleeing Syria. A Kremlin source had told Russian news agencies that Assad’s son, who has been studying in Moscow, was with his father. However, Peskov emphasized that if Russia were to grant asylum to Assad and his family, it would be a decision made by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"Such decisions cannot be taken without the head of state, and it's his decision," Peskov added. He also clarified that there were no meetings scheduled between President Putin and Assad.

The Kremlin's response came as Russian officials admitted they were taken by surprise by the swift rebellion in Syria. “What happened has surprised the whole world, and in this case, we are no exception,” Peskov said. Russia, which has strategic military and naval interests in Syria, intervened on Assad's side in 2015, but the recent developments are expected to lead to a period of instability.

Regarding the fate of Russian military bases in Syria, Peskov remained cautious, stating that it was “too early to say” what would happen. “This is a subject for discussion with whoever is going to be in power in Syria,” he remarked, emphasizing that the security of Russian bases was a top priority.

On Monday, the Syrian embassy in Moscow raised the opposition flag, signaling the shift in political power, but assured that the embassy operations were continuing normally. Peskov stated that Russia was maintaining dialogue with Turkey, which supported rebel forces, and would continue to monitor the situation closely.