Russia moves to extend lease of Syria naval base
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The upper chamber of the Russian parliament has voted to extend Russia's lease of a naval base in Syria for 49 years.
The vote at the Federation Council on Tuesday follows a similar endorsement by the lower chamber last week.
Russia's air campaign in Syria, which began in September 2015, helped turn the tide of the civil war in favor of Moscow's long-time ally, President Bashar Assad. Even though Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier this month announced a partial pullout of troops from Syria, Russia is determined to keep its military presence there.
The agreement, which now needs Putin's signature before it comes into effect, allows Russia to keep its warships at the Mediterranean base in Tartus for 49 years.
