Syrian opposition says Russian troop drawdown could bring end to conflict
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GENEVA - The Syrian opposition said on Tuesday Russian President Vladimir Putin's move to draw down his forces in the country could pave the way for an end to five years of fighting, although Moscow had not informed them of the decision.
Spokesman Salim al-Muslat told reporters that the Russian withdrawal could also help bring about an end to Syrian President Bashar al Assad's "dictatorship and his crimes".
Muslat said a Russian pullout could have far-reaching consequences on the course of Syria's war, saying that "what has kept Assad in power is the presence of Russian forces".
