Signed in Damascus in August 26th, 2015 by the ministries of Defense, the understanding states that the presence of Russia's military force is not aimed against third countries, and aims to defend the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of the signing parties.
The preamble of the document states, as well, the commitment established by mutual willingness to join in the battle against terrorism and extremism, with the aspiration to maintain peace and stability in the region.
According to the agreement, the Russian air group and its infrastructure will be stationed on the Hmeymin airbase in Lattakia, where, on a free and tax-free basis, Moscow may deploy any weapons, munitions and other necessary materiel to carry out its missions.
All properties at the air base and temporary infrastructure are considered as belonging to Russia, as per the agreement.
Regarding the structure and combat missions, it has been made explicit that they will be conducted under the orders of their commanders and according to the schedule stipulated by Moscow and Damascus.
As for the staff, it can enter the Syrian territory with documents valid to exit Russia, not subject to inspection in the host country, and include the immunity of members of the Russian Armed Forces mobilized in Syria.
Under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, the Russian military and their families will enjoy the privileges of immunity, and their properties are declared inviolable, reports the Legal Information Portal.
They will have to respect the laws, customs regulations and traditions of the country, of which they will be duly informed on their arrival in Syria, according to the report.
Damascus acknowledges in the document that the Russian air group is exempt from all direct and indirect taxes.
The agreement makes it clear that the signatories are obliged to settle all disputes relating to the application or interpretation of its content through consultations.
Should one of the signatories wish to terminate the agreement, it must notify the other in writing, in which case the agreement will cease to apply one year after the party receives the notification.
At the request of the Syrian president, Bashar al-Assad, Moscow began on last September 30th the air strikes against the terrorists in support of the Syrian ground forces, and within weeks it brought a qualitative leap in the field of operations, in which the government troops went on the counteroffensive.
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