(VOVworld) – Withdrawal of the main part of Russia's armed forces in Syria will not weaken Syrian President Bashar Assad, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said Wednesday, adding that the only mission of Russia’s troops in Syria is anti-terrorism.

Russian bombers parked at Hmeimim air base in Syria on March 4.(Photo: AP)

Russia’s troop withdrawal was in the main welcomed. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said it will help efforts to end the Syrian conflict.
The Arab League called Russia's decision a "positive step" that will help the ongoing Geneva peace talks. German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said Russia’s troop withdrawal will increase the pressure to negotiate a peaceful political transition.