Astana: Rejection of all separatist agendas and the need to continue combating terrorism

ASTANA, (ST) – The final statement of the 19th international meeting in the Astana format on Syria affirmed that the guarantor countries  will renew their firm commitment to Syria’s sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity.

The statement added that the guarantor countries condemn the attacks of terrorist organizations in Syria and stress the need to continue combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.

The statement stresses on rejecting all separatist agendas and emphasizing that security and stability in northeastern Syria can only be achieved on the basis of preserving Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The final statement stated that the guarantor countries condemn the practices of countries that support terrorist organizations, including separatist groups. They also condemn the theft of Syrian oil that the revenues of which should return to the Syrian people.

The statement stressed condemnation of the repeated Israeli attacks on Syrian lands, which are a violation of international law and Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The statement stressed on rejecting all coercive economic measures that contradict international law and the Charter of the United Nations and the need to lift them and increase humanitarian aid for all Syrians without discrimination, politicization and preconditions. It pointed out that the international community and the United Nations must strengthen its assistance to Syria through early recovery projects and facilitate the return of Syrian refugees and displaced persons to their cities and towns.

The statement said that the guarantor countries decided to hold the twentieth international meeting in the Astana format on Syria in the first half of next year, and to hold the next summit of heads of guarantor states in Russia.

Raghda Sawas