Damascus welcomes Russia's decision to set up military base in Syria; exact location to be chosen by Moscow - Syrian ambassador
MOSCOW. Oct 16 (Interfax) - Damascus welcomes Russia's decision to set up a joint base for naval, air and ground forces in Syria, its exact location will be determined by Russia.
"We more than welcome any Russia's wish to open bases in Syria. No one is opposed to such agreements between the parties, Russia and Syria. It is more likely being opposed by terrorist organizations that are in Syria and that we and Russia will destroy together," Syrian Ambassador to Russia Riad Haddad said in an interview with Interfax.
He was commenting on the announcement by Deputy Chief of the Russian Armed Forces General Staff Col. Gen. Andrei Kartapolov that Russia will open a joint naval, air and ground base in Syria to fight ISIL militants.
When asked whether it means that Russia could send its troops to Syria or whether the ground operation will be continued by the Syrian army, the ambassador said: "This is up to Russia."
Haddad said the exact date of the base opening is not known yet.
He also said that the future base will be opened "where Russia will show, and it will serve both Russian and Syrian interests simultaneously."
It has been assumed the future base will open either at the current materiel technical base in Tartous or in Latakia.
