Syria will keep Russian military bases on its territory in Tartus and Khmeimim, if it is beneficial to her, said the Minister of Defense of the transitional Government, Murhaf Abu Kasra.

In an interview, Murhaf Abu Qasra, a onetime leader in Syria’s insurgency, discussed moves by authorities in Damascus to build new alliances.

Syria's new government will decide the fate of Russian military bases based on national interests, Syrian Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra told The Washington Post on Feb. 6. Russia's ability to retain its naval base in Tartus and airbase in Khmeimim will depend on what Moscow offers in return,