The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement on December 8, 2024. Photo: Screenshot of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs

According to a statement from the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday, Syrian president Bashar al-Assad has relinquished his presidential position after negotiating with representatives of various parties involved in the Syrian conflict and has instructed the Syrian government to peacefully transfer power. 

The Russian side did not participate in the negotiations, according to the statement.

The Russian Foreign Ministry called on all parties involved to abandon the use of violence and to resolve all issues through political means. 

Russia also urged respect for the opinions of all ethnic and religious groups in Syrian society and supported efforts to conduct an inclusive political process based on UN Security Council Resolution 2254.

In addition, the Russian Foreign Ministry said that Russia maintains contact with all Syrian opposition groups.

Syrian opposition fighters announced a curfew in Damascus on Sunday, effective from 4 p.m. (1300 GMT) to 5 a.m. local time, following their capture of the Syrian capital that led to the collapse of President Bashar al-Assad's government, Xinhua reported.

Global Times