A Kremlin source reported this evening that former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and his family have arrived in the Russian capital, Moscow, where they have been granted asylum by Russia.
The source told TASS News Agency, « Former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and his family have arrived in Moscow and were granted asylum on humanitarian grounds. »
According to the source, Russia has consistently supported efforts to find a political resolution to the Syrian crisis. Furthermore, Russia underscores the importance of resuming negotiations under United Nations auspices.
The source added that « Russian officials are in contact with representatives of the Syrian armed opposition, whose leaders have guaranteed the security of Russian military bases and diplomatic institutions in Syria. »
The Kremlin source expressed hope that political dialogue would continue in the interest of the Syrian people and for the development of bilateral relations between the Russian Federation and Syria.