HTS Should be Excluded from Terrorist Organization List - Kadyrov

Chechnya's leader, Ramazan Kadyrov, has suggested removing Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the group that overthrew Bashar al-Assad, from the list of terrorist organizations, Orda reports, citing Novaya Gazeta Evrovpa.

Kadyrov believes the exclusion is necessary to "prevent a humanitarian catastrophe in Syria."

It is important, without waiting for the beginning or end of this process, to immediately organize the work of the contact group of the two countries, which will be able to build the first ties and begin to solve problems, Kadyrov said.

He claims Chechen law enforcement is ready to provide support in patrolling streets in Syria.

Any Russian presence in Syria 'will pursue the goals of stability and security of the people,'  he added. 

Russia previously adopted a law in its first reading that allows for collaboration with organizations that have ceased "activities" aimed at promoting, justifying, and supporting terrorism or committing the said crimes.

Meanwhile, Bashar al-Assad issued his first statement, and a WSJ report says the "global hunt" for his family assets has begun.