The guarantor states renew strong commitment to Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and rejection of separatist agendas

Sochi (ST): The guarantor states of the Astana Process have reaffirmed their strong commitment to the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of Syria and the principles of the United Nations Charter, stressing the need to respect these principles globally and adhere to them in addition to continuing cooperation until the elimination of terrorist organizations in Syria.

The final statement released at the end of the fifteenth meeting of the Astana Process which was held in the Russian city of Sochi on the 16th and 17th February said that the guarantor states, “Russia, Iran and Turkey”, affirmed  determination to fight terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and to stand against the separatist agendas aimed at undermining Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The guarantor states condemned the increase of terrorist activities in Syria that has led to the loss of innocent lives, and they have agreed to continue cooperation in order to eliminate the terrorist organization “ISIS”, “Al-Nusra Front” and all individuals, groups and other entities associated with Al-Qaeda or “ISIS” and other terrorist groups defined by the UN Security Council while ensuring the protection of civilians and infrastructure in accordance with international humanitarian law.

The three states reviewed in detail the situation in the de-escalation zone in Idleb, stressing the need for the full implementation of all agreements regarding them.

They also  discussed the situation in northeastern Syria and agreed that long-term security and stability in this region can only be achieved on the basis of preserving Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, affirming rejection of all attempts to create a new reality on the ground under the pretext of combating terrorism. They also expressed  opposition to the illegal seizure and transfer of the oil revenues that should be given to Syria.

The guarantor states condemned the frequent Israeli attacks on Syria as constituting a violation of international law and international humanitarian law, undermining the sovereignty of Syria and the neighboring countries, and endangering stability and security in the region.

The guarantor countries reaffirmed their commitment to pushing forward the political process led  by the Syrians and facilitated by the United Nations in accordance with Security Council Resolution 2254, referring to the important role of the Constitution Discussion Committee, which was created as a result of the decisive contribution of the guarantors of Astana Process and the outcomes of the Syrian National Dialogue Conference in Sochi.

The three countries reviewed in detail the results of the fifth round of the mini-constitutional committee, which was held from the 25th to the 29th of last January in Geneva, and confirmed support for the work of this committee through the continuous interaction between its members and the UN Secretary-General’s special envoy to Syria Geir Pedersen as facilitator to ensure its sustainable and efficient operation.

The guarantor countries also expressed grave concern about the humanitarian situation in Syria, especially in light of the circumstances that resulted from the outbreak of the Corona pandemic, noting that this pandemic represents a profound challenge to the health situation in Syria and affects the social, economic and humanitarian conditions.

They expressed  rejection of the unilateral coercive economic measures imposed on Syria, which are inconsistent with international law, international humanitarian law and the United Nations Charter, especially in light of the spread of the pandemic, pointing to the calls made by the UN Secretary-General and the High Commissioner for Human Rights in this regard.

The guarantor countries also confirmed the need to increase humanitarian aid to all Syrians throughout the country without discrimination, politicization and preconditions in order to improve the humanitarian situation in the country and make progress in the political solution process.

The guarantor countries decided to hold the sixteenth international meeting on Syria in the Astana Process, in the Kazakh capital, Nur Sultan, in the middle of this year.

K.Q.