Russia’s Aircraft Carrier Leads Naval Flotilla Docked in Syria

General Rajiha Visits the Russian Aircraft Carrier, Hails Russia's Stances Jan 08, 2012

TARTOUS, (SANA) - Minister of Defense General Dawood Rajiha on Sunday visited the Russian aircraft carrier Kuznetsov and was briefed on its missions and ordnance. Rajiha stressed the historic relations between Syria and Russia, hailing the honorable stances of Russia in support of the Syrian people. For his part, Russia's Ambassador to Syria Azamat Kulmukhametov said that the visit of the Russian vessels stresses the deep-rooted relations between the two friendly countries. Kulmukhametov added that Russia is very interested in achieving the aspirations of the Syrian people in democracy and stresses the importance of implementing the comprehensive reform program. M. Nassr/ H. Sabbagh

Local Editor

In solidarity with its Syrian ally, a large Russian naval flotilla led by an aircraft carrier has docked in the Syrian port of Tartus on Sunday at the time when Al-Midan attack’s martyrs were escorted to their final resting places.

The six-day port call by the carrier group in the Mediterranean port where Russia has a recently expanded naval base is intended to boost ties with Syria. “The port call is aimed at bringing the two countries closer together and strengthening their ties of friendship,” the official SANA news agency quoted a Russian naval officer Yakushin Vladimir Anatolievich as saying.

“The commanders of the Russian naval vessels docked in Tartus took turns to express their solidarity with the Syrian people,” the news agency added.

The governor of Tartus province, Atef al-Nadaf, paid tribute to the "honorable position adopted by Russia which has stood by the Syrian people."

The Al-Watan newspaper, reported last week that the carrier Admiral Kuznetsov was escorted by a large flotilla including submarines.

Despite strong Western criticism, Russia has stood by its Cold War ally in the face of a mounting international pressure against the Syrian government.

This came as masses of popular and official figures were laying the bodies of the martyrs who fell during the Friday’s terrorist attack in al-Midan neighborhood in Damascus to their final resting places. After holding prayers for the martyrs at al-Hasan Mosque, official ceremonies were held for the martyrs whose bodies were wrapped in Syrian flags and carried on shoulders among the chants of citizens condemning the inhumane attack, SANA reported.

Source: AFP	08-01-2012 - 12:05 Last updated 08-01-2012 - 12:05

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