Shaaban: Russian decision proves their presence in Syria was positive and effective

Damascus – Presidential Political and Media Advisor Bouthaina Shaaban said the reduction of the contingent of the Russian forces in Syria is a natural and positive step.

Speaking to al-Mayadeen TV channel on Tuesday, Shaaban added that all the fuss made by so many sides about the Russian decision aims at diverting attention from the Russian achievements in the fight against terrorism in Syria, compared to what the western coalition has done, SANA reported.

“The Russian step wasn’t surprising or worrying to the Syrian government as it was discussed with the Syrian government and the sides concerned on the ground. The issue was carefully studied,” Shaaban clarified.

She went on saying that “This step is natural and positive especially after the cessation of hostilities agreement has been going on effectively in a feasible way to all sides.”

The Russian side, she said, announced from the beginning that its presence in Syria would not be permanent and long, adding that the Russian decision to reduce forces also took into account what was achieved by these forces, in cooperation with the Syrian army and the allies of Iran and Hezbollah in terms of assuming control of large swathes of Syrian territory.

“The Russian step came to prove that the Russian presence in Syria was positive and effective,” said Shaaban. “We are entering a new stage of coordination between the US and Russia,” she added.

Shaaban made it quite clear that connecting between this step and putting pressure on Syria is unfounded talk that is not credible at all.

Syria, she affirmed, has an independent decision and has never been pressured or forced to do what it didn’t want to do by anyone, adding that Russia is an ally and a friend to Syria “who talks with us with respect and in terms of consultation.”

She elaborated that Syria’s relationships with Iran, Russia and Hezballah are based on consultation and coordination before any decision is made.

“We haven’t fought all that time and sacrificed those martyrs and injured people to accept conceding even one aspect of our decision or parts of our land and people,” stressed Shaaban, adding that “those who talk about federalism, portioning or anything of the like don’t know what Syria has done over those five years and neither do they know Syria’s history and people.”

Shaaban clarified further to al-Mayadeen that Russia’s bases in Hmeimim and Tartous are still there, adding if Russia pulls out some of its forces, this doesn’t mean that they couldn’t return any time because “our relation with Russia is strategic and not a transient one and that will not change.”

She saw that the next step will be to pressure Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Qatar into implementing the UN Security Council resolution no.2253 related to stopping providing funds, arms and passage to the terrorists.