Saudi Gazette report

DAMASCUS —The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, said that the political transition process in Syria after the fall of President Bashar al-Assad must include holding those responsible for crimes committed during his rule accountable.

He called for holding perpetrators of past crimes in Syria accountable and preserving evidence. "Syria needs to build a legal system to hold accountable those who may have committed horrific crimes, including (President Bashar) Al-Assad and senior officials," he continued.

"The political transition process must ensure that perpetrators of serious violations are held accountable," Turk said at a press conference, adding, "All measures must be taken to protect all minorities and avoid reprisals."

He added: "A huge opportunity" is there for an inclusive dialogue on political transition in the new era in Syria after the overthrow of President Assad.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that President Vladimir Putin was the one who decided to grant Syrian President Bashar al-Assad asylum in Russia.

"I have nothing to tell you about President Assad's travels," Peskov told reporters, explaining that "there is no meeting (expected between Vladimir Putin and Assad) on the official agenda of the Russian president." He added, "The whole world was surprised by what happened, and we are no exception."