Upheaval in Syria
Assad is expected to comment for the first time about fleeing to Moscow
A good week after Assad fled Syria, a statement emerged. It is unclear whether it actually came from him. Assad is supposed to assert that he fulfilled his duties to the end.
Syria’s deposed ruler Bashar al-Assad is said to have commented for the first time about his escape to Moscow. This was not voluntary, Assad explained in a one-page statement written in English and distributed on the Telegram channel of his former presidency in Syria. It was not initially possible to check whether the statement was genuine.
“I remained in Damascus and carried out my duties until early Sunday morning, December 8,” the statement said. During the offensive by “terrorists” on Damascus, Assad traveled to the Russian military base in Latakia. “As the situation on the ground in the area continued to deteriorate, the Russian military base was increasingly attacked with drones.” Moscow then ordered an immediate evacuation of the base to Russia for the evening of December 8th.
“At no time during these events did I consider resigning or seeking asylum,” Assad said, according to the statement. “I have never sought positions for personal gain, but have always seen myself as the guardian of a national project.” Assad further claimed that he was “unwaveringly committed” to the goal of enforcing the will of the Syrian people and protecting the Syrian state and its institutions.
Russia had supported Assad for years. After his fall, Assad was granted asylum in Russia.
dpa
Source: Stern
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
