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Assad central feature of Syria political settlement: Analyst

Tuesday, 21 November 2017 2:07 PM [ Last Update: Tuesday, 21 November 2017 2:07 PM ]

Russia's President Vladimir Putin (center R) and his Syrian counterpart Bashar al-Assad (center L) meet with Russia's top military officers in Sochi on November 20, 2017. (Photo by AFP)

The fact that Russia has received Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in the Black Sea resort city of Sochi shows that he will "be a central feature" of a political settlement in Syria, says an analyst.

The Russians want a political settlement in Syria and no matter what the Americans or other players say, President “Assad is going to be a central feature of that political settlement,” Fred Weir told Press TV on Tuesday.

Moscow prefers President Assad to be in power, because he protects the rights of minorities and women, and most Syrian people want him to stay in power, the journalist and political commentator said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has congratulated Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on the latest victories achieved by the Syrian army against terrorists on the battlefield.