Assad says Russian military to stay in Syria 'long-term'

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said on Thursday that Russian forces were needed in the country long-term, Russian news agencies reported, citing an interview with the leader.

"Russian armed forces are needed for balance in our region, at least in the Middle East, until the global political balance changes. And this might not even happen, we do not know. So it is important and necessary," Interfax news agency cited Assad as saying in an interview with Russian media.

Russia entered the Syria war in 2015 and helped turn back a series of defeats for the Assad regime. 

Russian airstrikes helped the Syrian regime and its foreign militia allies win a series of victories over the rebels and Islamic State group.

More than 6,000 civilians, including 1,761 children, have been killed by Russian forces, with Russian offensives conducted with the Syrian regime and Iran displacing some 2.5 million people, the Syrian Network for Human Rights (SNHR) says.

Moscow has cemented a military presence in Syria, with the build-up of at least two Russian bases in the country. 

Assad added that Syria's agreement with Russia over the Hmeimim military base was signed to last over 40 years, indicating that relations between the two countries were of a long-term nature.

The rapid return of refugees to Syria is the main issue being discussed between Damascus and Moscow, Interfax news agency cited Assad as saying.

"We call on refugees, especially on Syrians who had businesses here, to return," TASS news agency cited Assad as saying.

Many Syrians who fled war and repression are unwilling to return under Assad's rule without guarantees they won’t be harassed, detained or imprisoned.

Assad also commented on the White Helmets volunteers, saying the Syrian rescue workers were a cover for militant groups.

The group, known officially as Syria Civil Defence, has been widely hailed internationally and credited with saving thousands of people in rebel-held areas during years of bombing attacks by Damascus and its allies.

Its members, known for their white helmets, say they are neutral. But Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and his backers, including Russia, have dismissed them as Western-sponsored propaganda tools and proxies of Islamist-led insurgents.

"The fate of "White Helmets" is the same as of any terrorist," Interfax cited the Syrian leader as saying.

"They have two options: lay down their arms and use the amnesty, as has been going on for the past four of five years, or be liquidated, like any other terrorist," Interfax quoted Assad as saying.