Russia's first comment on Sharaa's demand to "hand over Assad"

 

Russian

Russia's first comment on Sharaa's demand to "hand over Assad"

Dmitry Novikov, First Deputy Chairman of the International Affairs Committee of the Russian State Duma, described the demand to hand over former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to the new authorities in his country as "strange," suggesting the possibility of "revenge" if Moscow agrees.

Earlier on Wednesday, Agence France-Presse reported that Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa , who visited Moscow on Wednesday, would demand the extradition of his predecessor, who sought refuge in Russia after being ousted in December of last year.

The Russian news website Lenta quoted Novikov as saying that the demand to extradite Assad "seems strange," noting that he "was once an elected leader under Syrian law," and indicating that he "could be liquidated if returned to Syria."

The Russian parliamentarian explained that "many former political figures from various countries are present in Russia, including former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych."

He continued, "If Russia takes this path, it will be in conflict with human rights principles," adding that "Moscow is unlikely to agree to this."

Commenting on Syrian demands for Moscow to hand over Bashar al-Assad to Damascus, writer and political researcher Abbas Sharifa said that the Syrian street considers the demand for Assad's extradition "more important than all other issues," adding that "it would be a symbolic step toward restoring the rights of the Syrian people."

Speaking to Sky News Arabia's "Studio One with Fadhila," Sharifa added, "Merely handing Assad over and putting him on trial will be more important than the Russian air base at Hmeimim."

If Russia agrees to hand over Assad, Sherifa believes this will "grant significant legitimacy to the current Syrian leadership."

However, if Moscow refuses to extradite the former president, to whom it has granted humanitarian asylum, and pledges that he will not engage in any hostile activity toward Syria, the author explained that Syria "will resort to freezing this file," emphasizing that it "will not be an obstacle to restoring bilateral relations" between the two countries.