Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced the start of the withdrawal of Russian forces from Syria, explaining that by now the "objectives have been achieved". The number one of the Kremlin hopes that the operation will be "a good motivation to start political negotiations between the country's forces", reports Tass. However, the air base of Hemeimeem, in the province of Latakia, and the naval base in the port of Tartous will continue to be operational.
US President Barack Obama spoke on the phone with Putin about the Russian decision and "the next necessary steps" for the end of hostilities "with the aim of advancing political negotiations on a resolution of the conflict". Obama, while acknowledging the progress made in reducing violence and humanitarian assistance, stressed that the regime must not obstruct the delivery of aid.
Putin informed Bashar al Assad of the decision to withdraw Russian forces. The Kremlin chief added that his country would maintain an air traffic control center in Syria to monitor the truce. The Russian bases of Tartous and Hemeimeem, in the province of Latakia, Putin said, will now operate on a "routine" basis. Even the Russian soldiers who will remain in Syria will monitor the hold of the ceasefire.
Syrian President Bashar al Assad told Putin to "be ready to start the political process in the country as soon as possible". Putin and Assad also expressed the joint hope that the negotiations in Geneva could produce "concrete effects".
Meanwhile, it is learned that the first talks between the government delegation in Damascus and the UN envoy Staffan de Mistura in Geneva were "positive and constructive" and the two sides will meet again on Wednesday. This was stated by the head of the Damascus delegation, the Syrian ambassador to the UN Bashr al Jafari. Jafari added that he had presented de Mistura with a document for "a political solution" to the conflict. Before returning to see the government delegation, the UN envoy will have to meet with that of the opposition.
