Soussan: Any actual results in the Astana process must be based on Turkey’s acknowledgment of the need to withdraw its forces from Syrian territory

The deputy foreign ministers of Syria, the Russian Federation, Iran and Turkey held a meeting in Astana, within the framework of the quadripartite meetings.

Dr. Ayman Sousan, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, stressed during the meeting that any actual results in this path must be based on Turkey’s acknowledgment of the need to withdraw  its forces from the Syrian territory, according to a clear timetable and specific steps, and to actually start this withdrawal.

Sousan added: This forms the basis for discussing other issues related to the return of refugees, combating terrorism in all its forms, and relations between the two countries.

The Assistant Foreign Minister explained that the Turkish statements about Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity contradict with the Turkish continued occupation of Syrian lands, and violate international law and the most basic elements of relations between countries.

NR