News / Interviews

Military pullout shows Russia goodwill in Syria talks: Pundit

Tuesday, 15 March 2016 7:33 AM [ Last Update: Tuesday, 15 March 2016 7:31 AM ]

This file photo taken on February 16, 2016 shows Russian fighter jets on the tarmac at the Hmeimim military base in Latakia Province, northwestern of Syria. ©AFP

Press TV has conducted an interview with Mark Sleboda, an international relations and security analyst from Moscow, and Alon Ben-Meir, a professor at New York University’s Center for Global Affairs, to discuss the prospects of peace talks between Damascus and the Saudi-backed opposition after the pullout of a part of Russian forces from Syria.

Sleboda says the partial withdrawal of Russian military forces from Syria is a “diplomatic and goodwill gesture” on the part of Moscow amid the UN-brokered talks between the delegations of the Syrian government and the so-called High Negotiations Committee (HNC) in the Swiss city of Geneva.

He rejects speculations that economic issues has been behind the partial withdrawal of Russian military equipment from Syria, saying Moscow has not spent a significant amount in the anti-terror campaign.

The analyst also warns that the Takfiri groups may misuse the opportunity created by the Russian withdrawal to increase their terror activities and import weaponry into Syria.

Sleboda adds that the departure of Russian forces may embolden some terrorists and make peace efforts end in failure.

Ben-Meir, for his part, believes Russia’s military pullout from Syria is because Moscow is under economic pressure. He adds the recent Russian move is a “helpful” gesture for the Geneva peace talks.

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