Russia strengthens its presence in the Middle East

On 18 January 2017, Russia signed two new agreements with the Syrian government on the Russian military presence in Syria. The first will extend the territory of the Material-Technical Support Point in the Syrian port of Tartus, which has been in operation since the Soviet era; the second is an annex to the agreement from August 2015 establishing a Russian air base at the airport in Khmeimim.

These agreements provide for the free use by Russia of the territory and buildings, and ensure their almost complete extraterritoriality. They provide Russian military personnel with families with immunity from Syrian jurisdiction, not only on the territory of the bases but throughout Syria. Russian companies supplying the bases are granted exemptions from customs duties and taxes, while Syria assumes responsibility for damages inflicted by the Russians on third parties.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: Russia’s Syria Quandary http://www.europeansources.info/record/russias-syria-quandary/

ESO: Background information: Expert view: Russia steps into Syria http://www.europeansources.info/record/expert-view-russia-steps-into-syria/

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