Russia pledges to support Syrian government in surprise meeting

[unhappycamper]

http://www.dw.com/en/russia-pledges-to-support-syrian-government-in-surprise-meeting/a-18547256

Russia has promised to support Syria's government "politically, economically and militarily." President Vladimir Putin also called on the Middle East to unite against the 'Islamic State' (IS).

Russia pledges to support Syrian government in surprise meeting
29.06.2015

Speaking in the Russian capital of Moscow on Monday, Syria's Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem said he received the pledge of support for Syrian President Bashar Assad during a surprise meeting with his Russia's Vladimir Putin.

Quashing rumors that Russia would no longer support Assad, Putin said on Monday that his country's policy "which is intended to support Syria, Syria's leaders and its people, remains unchanged."

"We are convinced that in the end the Syrian people will be victorious," Putin said.

Russia is widely seen as the key to a peaceful solution in Syria and has been a long-time supporter of Assad. Throughout the uprising against the Syrian president, Russia has provided Damascus with diplomatic cover as well as financial assistance. More than 220,000 people have been killed in Syria since the conflict began in March 2011.

[GreatGazoo]

1. Is this just a restatement of the earlier deal between Syria and Russia?

[bemildred]

2. There has been some talk of late of Assad having to depart in some "political settlement".

This is primarily intended to put a stop to that sort of talk, I think.