Russia ensures maximum security for flight carrying former Syrian President Assad

In an interview with NBC News broadcast on December 10, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said that his country had conducted a flight to take President Bashar al-Assad out of Syria.

"His safety is guaranteed, and this proves that Russia acts as necessary in exceptional situations," Deputy Minister Ryabkov told NBC News.

Russian officials said the flight was carried out with extreme security, but declined to provide details of what happened.

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Asked whether Russia would hand over Bashar al-Assad for trial, Ryabkov said: "Russia is not a party to the convention establishing the International Criminal Court (ICC)."

The Kremlin confirmed on December 9 that Russian President Vladimir Putin had decided to grant asylum in Russia to Mr. Assad, but did not disclose the whereabouts of the former Syrian leader and his family.

Russian President Vladimir Putin with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad during a meeting at the Kremlin, Moscow, on July 24

In another development, Deputy Minister Ryabkov said Russia was definitely considering another prisoner swap, similar to the one that took place in August involving Wall Street Journal journalist Evan Gershkovich and former US Marine Paul Whelan.

A new deal would mark a positive step forward, especially at the start of a new US administration, according to Mr. Ryabkov.

Moscow has supported Syria since the early days of the Cold War, recognizing the country's declaration of independence in 1944 when Damascus ended French colonial rule.

On December 10, the opposition announced its decision to nominate Mr. Mohammad al-Bashir as leader of Syria's interim government.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/nga-bao-dam-an-ninh-toi-da-cho-chuyen-bay-cho-cuu-tong-thong-syria-assad-185241211092956913.htm