Russian military bases to remain in Syria after anti-terrorist operation is over - senator Klintsevich
MOSCOW. Nov 21 (Interfax) - Russian military bases will remain in Syria after the anti-terrorist operation is over, but the contingent of Ground and Aerospace Forces will be reduced, First Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council Security and Defense Committee Franz Klintsevich told Interfax.
"There is an agreement that Russian military bases will remain in Syria. This is precisely what President Bashar al-Assad meant when he was speaking of guarantees of non-interference and stability in the country," Klintsevich said commenting on a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and al-Assad in Sochi on Monday.
"The scope of forces and hardware will depend on the situation. The national leadership will make a decision, but I have no doubt that our forces and hardware will remain there and render support, including in possible local points of tension," Klintsevich said.
"However, there will probably be no more intensive military campaign in Syria, as this problem will be resolved before the end of the year," he said.
"The ground contingent and, perhaps, the Aerospace Forces will be reduced," he said.
Russian military bases in Syria "are rapidly building infrastructure for servicemen and their families, including schools and kindergartens," Klintsevich said. "This is an important sign, which speaks to the conclusion of war," he said.