Russia opposes negotiations to hand over Bashar al-Assad to the Jolani regime.
According to Al Jazeera, the Wall Street Journal newspaper reported, citing some Syrian and European officials: Russia is trying to reach an agreement with Syria to maintain its military bases in the country.
The American newspaper continued its report, citing these officials, adding: The negotiations between Russia and Syria have included the transfer of billions of dollars in cash and investments in the gas and port sectors. The scope of discussions about two Russian military bases in Syria has also expanded to include economic relations between the two countries.
The officials stated that the new Syrian rulers claimed that Putin had indicated his readiness to consult on the terms of the agreement between Moscow and Damascus. Possible contracts between Russia and Syria would include investment in the port of Tartus, natural gas concessions in Syria, phosphate mines and hydrocarbon fields in the Palmyra region of Syria.
According to this report, the negotiations between the two sides also included Damascus’ request for Moscow to hand over former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, but the Russians have refused to consider this request.
The Wall Street Journal also claimed that Russia’s relations with Syria’s new rulers have gained momentum after the first telephone conversation between Putin and Ahmed al-Sharaa.