Russia to negotiate with Syria on more military bases: Interfax

Russia, which currently has two permanent military facilities in Syria, will reportedly hold talks with Damascus over obtaining more.
ALEPPO, SYRIA - NOVEMBER 18: Russian soldiers, with Russian flag, are seen on armoured vehicle as they enter the base at the Tishrin Dam on the Euphrates, which the US troops' withdrew from, located 90 kilometres east of Aleppo in Aleppo Governorate, Syria on November 18, 2019. (Photo by Bekir Kasim/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
Russian soldiers are seen on an armored vehicle as they enter the base at the Tishrin Dam on the Euphrates River, 90 kilometers (56 miles) east of Aleppo, Nov. 18, 2019. - Bekir Kasim/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
Al Monitor: The Pulse of the Middle East
Al-Monitor Staff

To further cement Russia's long-term military presence in Syria, President Vladimir Putin reportedly tasked his defense and foreign ministries with obtaining additional land and naval rights from Damascus.  

“Putin has signed a directive tasking the Defense Ministry, in cooperation with the Foreign Ministry, with holding negotiations with Syria on transferring more real estate and water territory to the Russian military's possession,” the Russian Interfax news agency reported today. 

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