Syrian Interim President Seeks Extradition of Bashar al-Assad During Historic Moscow Visit

Syria:

Syrian interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa is scheduled to visit Moscow on Wednesday, where he plans to request Russia extradite former ruler Bashar al-Assad, according to a government official.

Speaking to AFP on condition of anonymity, the official revealed, "Sharaa will ask the Russian president to hand over all individuals who committed war crimes and are currently in Russia, most notably Bashar al-Assad."

The former longtime Syrian leader, who was deposed in December, has taken refuge in Moscow following his ouster.

Syria's state news agency SANA confirmed that Sharaa arrived in Russia Wednesday for "an official visit to hold talks with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, on bilateral relations between the two countries and regional and international developments of common interest."

The government source had previously informed AFP that Sharaa and Putin would additionally discuss "economic issues related to investment, the status of Russian bases in Syria, and the issue of rearming the new Syrian military."

Russia served as a crucial ally to Assad throughout the 14-year Syrian civil war.

After providing diplomatic support for Assad at the UN Security Council, Moscow escalated its involvement in 2015 by launching extensive air campaigns against rebel-controlled territories.

Despite this history, Syria's new Islamist leadership has pursued diplomatic relations with Russia.

The future of Russia's naval facility in Tartus and air base at Hmeimim remains uncertain following Assad's removal from power.