MOSCOW. Dec 12 (Interfax) - The United States' intention to maintain its military presence in Syria is unlawful, Russian Federation Council Defense and Security Committee head and former Russian Aerospace Forces Commander Viktor Bondarev said.
"The U.S.' military presence in Syria is unlawful. The American 'antiterrorist' coalition has not been invited either by the country's official and legitimate leadership or by the people," Bondarev told Interfax on Tuesday in response to White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders' statement that the U.S. is not planning to withdraw its forces from Syria despite Russian President Vladimir Putin's decision to start withdrawing most of the Russian contingent.
The U.S. previously "encouraged the opposition and helped the terrorists" in Syria, Bondarev said.
"And, certainly, as long as they have still not left Syria alone, this continues to pose a threat both to the country's territorial and political integrity and to the people's security," he said.
U.S.-controlled territory in other countries, especially those bordering Syria, "may be used to resume terrorist transit," Bondarev said.
"In addition, by staying in Syria, the Americans will be able to foster a new generation of radicals among the Syrian people themselves," he said.
On the other hand, the Syrian Armed Forces and police are well trained and will be able to repel possible dangers, Bondarev said.
"And besides, we will leave our bases in Syria, which will also help maintain security and stabilize the situation in the post-war country," he said.
Asked whether Russia could be involved in counterterrorist operations in other countries, Bondarev said, "As far as I know, no official requests have come from foreign leaders."
"And we act in sovereign countries only and exclusively at the invitation of their legitimate leaders and with their goodwill. This is what makes us significantly different from the Americans," Bondarev said.