The Syrian opposition said on Tuesday that Russian President Vladimir Putin's move to draw down his forces in the country could pave the way for an end to five years of fighting although Moscow had not informed them of the decision.
Spokesman Salim al-Muslat told reporters the withdrawal of troops could help bring about an end to Syrian President Bashar al Assad's "dictatorship and his crimes".
Russia blindsided world powers on Monday by announcing that "the main part" of its forces in Syria would start to withdraw. Russia's deputy ambassador to Israel on Tuesday described the two countries' Syria coordination as remaining largely intact.
(Reporting by Suleiman Al-Khalidi; Editing by Hugh Lawson)
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