Ousted Syrian President Bashar al-Assad secure in Russia: Deputy FM

Russia transported Bashar al-Assad, who was ousted as Syria’s president by a lightning rebel offensive, very securely to Russia, Deputy Foreign Minister, Sergei Ryabkov, said during an interview with NBC News on Dec 10.

The Kremlin said on Dec 9 that President Vladimir Putin had decided to grant asylum in Russia to Assad. His fall is a big blow to Iran and Russia, which had intervened in Syria’s 13-year civil war to try to shore up his rule despite Western demands that he leave power.

"He is secured, and it shows that Russia acts as required in such an extraordinary situation," Ryabkov was quoted as saying by NBC’s website. He added that he would not elaborate "on what happened and how it was resolved."

Asked whether Russia would hand over Assad for trial, Ryabkov said, ”Russia is not a party to the convention that established the International Criminal Court.”

Notably, Moscow has supported Syria since the early days of the Cold War, recognizing its independence in 1944 as Damascus sought to throw off French colonial rule. The West saw Syria as a Soviet satellite.

On Dec 10, Syria’s new interim leader announced that he was taking charge of the country as caretaker prime minister with the backing of the former rebels who toppled Assad.

Separately, Ryabkov said that Russia would "definitely be prepared to consider" another prisoner swap, similar to the August exchange that involved Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and ex-U.S. Marine Paul Whelan.

A new deal would be "a healthy step forward, especially at the beginning of the next administration," Ryabkov said, adding he would not want to "pre-empt anything."