The Latest: NATO chief welcomes Russian pullout from Syria

FILE - In this Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2016 file photo, Russian air force personnel prepare to load humanitarian cargo on board a Syrian Il-76 plane at Hemeimeem air base in Syria. Russia’s defense ministry said Tuesday, March 15, 2016 that the first group of warplanes stationed at the Russian air base in Syria has left for home following a pullout order from President Vladimir Putin. (AP Photo/Vladimir Isachenkov, File) FILE - In this Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2016 file photo, Russian air force personnel prepare to load humanitarian cargo on board a Syrian Il-76 plane at Hemeimeem air base in Syria. Russia’s defense ministry said Tuesday, March 15, 2016 that the first group of warplanes stationed at the Russian air base in Syria has left for home following a pullout order from President Vladimir Putin. (AP Photo/Vladimir Isachenkov, File)

By Associated Press March 16, 2016 2 min read

MOSCOW (AP) – The latest developments on ongoing Syria peace talks and the pullout of Russian forces from the country (all times local):

10:50 a.m.

NATO’s Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has welcomed Russia’s decision to withdraw most of its fighting forces from Syria.

Stoltenberg told The Associated Press on Wednesday that it’s a contribution to efforts to reduce military tensions and find a peaceful solution to the Syrian conflict.

Stoltenberg says the consequences of the withdrawal are yet to be seen but that he “would welcome any action that reduces the military tensions in Syria.”