Russia's Syria Pullout 'Signal' to Other Foreign States to Leave Country

© Sputnik / Dmitriy Vinogradov / Go to the mediabankRussian military air group at Hmeymim airbase in Syria
Russian military air group at Hmeymim airbase in Syria - Sputnik International
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Moscow's decision to pull out its air group from Syria is a signal to other foreign forces to leave the country, a member of the Syrian Democratic Forum opposition party told Sputnik on Monday.

MOSCOW, March 14 (Sputnik), Svetlana Alexandrova — Earlier in the day, Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the withdrawal of the bulk of the Russian military contingent in Syria.

"It is…a signal to many foreign forces to leave Syria in order to stop the war," Samir Aita said.

On February 22, Russia and the United States reached an agreement on the ceasefire in Syria, which entered into force five days later.

"It [Russia's move] shows that the cessation of hostilities that the Russians and Americans have negotiated with the UNSC has been applied beyond expectation," Aita added.

He also praised Russia's respect to Syria's sovereignty.

Russian aircraft at Latakia airport - Sputnik International
Russia’s Air Group Pullout From Syria to Launch Political Peace Process
"It is also a signal that Russia respects Syrian sovereignty and a signal for other countries also to respect the Syrian sovereignty," Aita said.

Aita added that the withdrawal was a signal to Syrian President Bashar Assad that "Russia will not support him without conditions."

"He has to make compromises. He has to make compromises and Russia does act for his own interest. This will have a positive effect on the peace talks in Geneva,” Aita said.

The Russian Aerospace Forces have been conducting its aerial campaign against terrorist groups in Syria since September 30 at Assad's request.

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