EU hopes for removal of Russian military bases from Syria

The European Union has expressed hope that the new Syrian authorities will choose to remove Russian military bases from the country.

A senior EU official, speaking in Brussels, conveyed the EU's position, stating that the bloc would be "absolutely pleased" if Syria's new leadership decided to expel Russian military installations, Caliber.Az reports citing Russian media.

When asked whether the EU plans to communicate this position to the Syrian authorities, the diplomat confirmed that it would.

According to the EU official, Brussels views the presence of Russian bases in Syria negatively, arguing that they do not contribute to regional stability. "We will see what the new Syrian authorities say," the diplomat added.

Russia currently operates two significant military facilities in Syria: a naval logistics base in Tartus, which was established in 1971 under a bilateral agreement, and the Khmeimim Air Base, located about 20 kilometres southeast of Latakia. The Russian Air Force began operations in Syria in September 2015 to support the Syrian government in its fight against ISIS (the Islamic State terrorist group, banned in Russia).

By Vafa Guliyeva