Russia confirms Assad’s resignation, calls for peaceful transition
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Sunday that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has stepped down and left the country after ordering a peaceful transfer of power.
In its statement, the ministry refrained from disclosing Assad’s current location and emphasized that Russia had no involvement in the discussions leading to his departure.
“As a result of negotiations between B. Assad and a number of participants in the armed conflict on the territory of the Syrian Arab Republic, he decided to resign from the presidency and left the country, giving instructions for a peaceful transfer of power,” the ministry said in a statement.
The ministry added that Russia did not participate in these negotiations.
The ministry expressed grave concern about the situation in Syria and urged all factions to avoid violence while resolving governance matters through political dialogue.
“We urge all parties involved to refrain from the use of violence and to resolve all issues of governance through political means,” the statement urged.
“In that regard, the Russian Federation is in contact with all groups of the Syrian opposition.”
The ministry also confirmed that Russia’s military bases in Syria have been placed on high alert, though it noted there is no immediate threat to their security.