15/03/2016 (Agence Europe) - EU welcomes Russian withdrawal from Syria. On Tuesday 15 March, Catherine Ray, spokesperson for EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini welcomed the withdrawal of Russian troops from Syria. “Any measure that leads to de-escalation of the violence and extends the cessation of hostilities is important”. Any such move can only assist the efforts of the special envoy for Syria to find a political solution, which is the ultimate goal, she added, when asked about the issue. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on Monday 14 March that he had ordered the withdrawal of much of the Russian forces in Syria. (CG)