The new Syrian ruler, Ahmed al-Sharah, urged Russia to return the ousted president Bashar al-Assad in exchange for the use of military bases. Russia, however, refused to make any formal comment on this.
Al-Jazeera said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov did not answer journalists' questions on Wednesday. The day before, a high-level Russian delegation had a meeting with the new ruler Ahmed al-Shara in Syria.
Bashar al-Assad, a longtime ally of Russia. He was in power in Syria with the help of Russia during the Civil War. But in a sudden expedition to the rebels, he was ousted last December and fled to Moscow.
According to various news sources, CNN also said that Shara claimed that Russia would have to pay compensation to assist in restructuring and recovery in Syria.
According to the Syrian state news agency Sana, the country's new administration has called on Russia – Russia has to admit past mistakes to normalize the relations of the two countries. Besides, the wishes of the Syrian people have to be honored and their interests should be protected.
Although the Allied Assad has fallen, Russia wants to retain the Tartus Naval base and Khmeemim airport in Syria. These bases are very important in maintaining Russian military presence in the Mediterranean. These are Russia's only military bases outside the former Soviet Union region.
The Russian Foreign Ministry has confirmed that talks with Syria will continue. However, they did not comment directly on the military bases.
A Syrian source told Reuters that Russia was reluctant to admit their mistakes in Syria and the two sides have not yet reached any final agreement. Only agreed to continue the discussion.
Kremlin spokesman Peskov said, “It is important to continue a permanent dialogue with Syria.”
