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YEREVAN, MARCH 15, ARMENPRESS. Russia's involvement in the Syrian conflict solved several problems. Firstly, Russia supported through its actions the strengthening of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's positions. Definitely, the international community considers Russia's presence in Syria, and it is clear that the official Moscow becomes a player with whom cooperation on the Syrian issue is possible. Political scientist Alexander Margarov noted this at a press conference in "Armenpress", commenting on Russian President Vladimir Putin's decision to withdraw the main part of forces from Syria.
"Russia's move also shows that by being involved in Syria, it does not show a dramatic stance by saying that Russia is here and only Russia decides what will happen in Syria. It shows that Russia is ready to act as one of the parties who is involved in the Syrian developments and has its own interests in the region, “the political scientist said.
Alexander Margarov noted that two main approaches are circulated in connection with the decision of the Russian president. First, Russia is spending about $ 2.5 million per day, liberated an area of 10 thousand square kilometers and danger significantly decreased in around 200 communities. Now the Russian side is ready to step back, to some extent, and to contribute to the negotiation process in Switzerland in order to bring concrete results for various parties of Syria, and Syria will remain a unified state.
The next approach is that Russia cannot continue to fight two fronts in Syria and Ukraine. It is a difficult financial situation, the sanctions by the West have negative impacts on Russia, and therefore it retreats.
According to Alexander Margarov, in reality, Russia will not withdraw its troops completely. It will maintain both the Tartus base and the local air base. This means that in case of necessity, expanding its military presence in Syria is a matter of time.