Getting rid of Russian military bases could be one of the conditions for the European Union to start a dialog with the new Syrian authorities, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said.
“This is a base where activities are being carried out against Africa and southern neighbors. It raises concerns about European security as well. We will raise this issue,” Kallas told a news conference after a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels.
According to her, the need to “rid Syria of Russian influence” is supported by many EU ministers. In particular, the issue was raised by Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp. “Regarding Russian military bases in Syria – we want Russia to leave,” he said. Kallas also said that Brussels had sent a senior EU diplomat to Damascus to establish contacts with the Syrian interim government.
