Russia in contact with Syrian rebels, hopes to keep military bases

Russia has established direct contact with the political committee of Syria's rebel group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the Interfax news agency quoted Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov, Report informs via Reuters.

Interfax reported that Bogdanov, speaking to journalists, also said Moscow aimed to maintain its military bases in Syria.

Bogdanov said contacts with HTS, the most powerful force in the country after the overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad, were "proceeding in constructive fashion".

Russia, he said, hoped the group would fulfill its pledges to "guard against all excesses", maintain order and ensure the safety of diplomats and other foreigners.

Bogdanov said Russia hoped to maintain its two bases in Syria - a naval base in Tartous and the Khmeimim Air Base near the port city of Latakia - to keep up efforts against international terrorism.