The air base of Hmeimim, in the province of Latakia, in Syria, was sold to Russia indefinitely and on a pro bono basis. Vladimir Putin signed the federal law on the ratification of the agreement between the Russian Federation and the Syrian Arab Republic.
The agreement was signed in Damascus the 26 last August. Last August 9, the text was presented by the President of Russia to the Duma. The federal law was approved on 7 last October and, finally, ratified by the Federation Council five days later.
The agreement establishes the terms and conditions relating to the presence of the Russian air group in the Syrian Arab Republic. The September 30 last year the Hmeimim base was granted to Moscow, free of charge, to host the aerial redevelopment requested by the Syrian government. Hmeimim, having changed its legal status, becomes in effect a Russian base.
It is the Kremlin that issues the details.
"The air group operates under Russian command and will coordinate its missions with the Syrian government. Russia will determine from time to time, the composition of the air group that it intends to deploy, in concert with Syria. Imports of weapons, ammunition, equipment and materials, necessary to make the base operational in the Syrian Arab Republic and to guarantee the safety of its personnel, are exempt from any charges or taxes. Staff may not be subject to any restrictions and inspections once they have crossed the border of the Syrian Arab Republic. Personnel and family members are considered as diplomats on a mission and enjoy the same immunity and privileges. No direct or indirect tax can be imposed. The flight group enjoys absolute civil and administrative immunity in the Syrian Arab Republic. All assets, as well as the archives and documents in the base are inviolable. Vehicles and planes of the Russian Federation used in the interests of the air group enjoy immunity: inspection, search and any coercive action is prohibited. Syria will not be able to proceed legally against the flight group in relation to the activity carried out".
The base will not host strategic bombers or nuclear weapons.
(photo: MoD Russian Federation)
