Astana Process Guarantor States affirm adherence to Syria’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity

TEHRAN, (ST) – the guarantor states of the Astana process, Russia, Iran and Turkey reaffirmed their firm adherence to Syria’s unity, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity and the continuous fight against terrorism and a rejection of separatist agendas.

A statement of the Iranian Foreign Ministry, reported by the (IRNA) Agency, said that the foreign ministers of the three countries stressed during a meeting  today the necessity of continuing diplomatic efforts to find a political solution to the crisis in Syria in parallel with fighting terrorism.

The guarantor states called upon the international community, the UN and the humanitarian agencies to increase their participation and their help to Syria by implementing projects for the reconstruction, basic projects for infrastructure, mine clearance, in addition to increasing humanitarian aid for all Syrians, without conditions and with the aim of alleviating the suffering of the Syrian people.

ranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif called for the lifting of unilateral coercive measures imposed on Syria and Iran, especially with the outbreak of the Corona epidemic, stressing that “imposing unilateral sanctions on Syria and Iran constitute a serious obstacle to tackling this virus in both countries”.

Zarif stressed that the repeated Israeli attacks on Syrian lands violate its sovereignty, international laws and a threat to regional peace and stability.

The Russian Foreign Ministry announced that the guarantor states of the Astana process reaffirmed in today’s meeting their “unconditional” adherence to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Syrian Arab Republic in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 2254.

The guarantor states expressed deep concern about the increased presence of Jabhat al-Nusrain Idleb, and they called for continuing cooperation in a way that fully serves the goal of eradicating the organizations of the Islamic State (ISIS) and Jabhat al-Nusra and all groups and other organizations.

They also agreed on taking tangible measures to guarantee the protection of civilians according to the provisions of international humanitarian law.

The guarantor states asserted their determination to confront the separatist schemes that aim at undermining Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. 

The Ministers reaffirmed their determination to continue effective cooperation within the framework of the Astana formula and efforts to restore stability to the entire Syrian territory and establish security in the countries of the region.

Rouhani: Everyone should work to restore stability in Syria

In a related context, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani stressed the need to work and make collective efforts to restore peace, security and stability to all Syrian territories.

In a phone call with Turkish President RecepTayyip Erdogan, Rouhani said that we must strive to restore stability to Syria and all countries in the region.

Rouhani pointed to the difficulties and problems faced by the governments and peoples of the world due to the outbreak of the Corona virus, stressing that everyone should take clear and decisive stances regarding the American inhuman pressure.

 Raghda Sawas