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Alexander Zotov, former Russian ambassador (1991-1994) in Syria
The Soviet-Syrian relations have a long history.
They hadn't ever been painted in colours of pragmatism, striving for certain clear political and economic interests; our side always put its heart into the relations, as well as our Syrian friends.
For Russia, for the Russians it is a special land where natives from our country felt comfortable.
It is not an abstract country, an object of a big political game, but our special attitude toward the Syrians.
I don't even mention how hard and how long our people have been working in Syria, created the current infrastructure.
This relation will remain, despite all the lists of the friends or enemies of Syria.
We are the friends of Syria, and we will do our best to ensure welfare, prosperity and development in Syria
I think the both sides of the conflict are restricted by their own mistakes, thoughtless activities, wrong estimates of the situation.
I do not mean that we support only those Syrians who are on Assad's side. It's up to them.
To my mind, Assad's regime made awful mistakes at the beginning of the Syrian conflict.
They are connected with the orientation which was developed and provided since Hafez Assads era - holding stability, the balance by any means.
Often the orientation on the force balance in the region contradicted even our political course, despite close cooperation between Moscow and Damascus.
For instance, when in Lebanon the so-called Progressive Front began to win, the Syrian interference returned the force balance, and it was done, when Kosygin flew to Damascus.
I was on board together with Alexei Nikolayevich and saw his reaction. I could see face of Andrei Andreyevich Gromyko, when he was moved aside and Kissingers shuttle diplomacy took place.
Being devoted to the orientation on the balance of the situation, the Syrian authorities didnt service Russian or any other interests, except for their own, even though the Soviet Union and Russia had always been its reliable and friendly partner.