Final statement of the 21st international meeting under Astana Format reaffirms firm commitment to Syria’s sovereignty, unity, independence and territorial integrity

The final statement of the guarantor states at the 21st international meeting on Syria in the Astana format reaffirmed firm commitment to the sovereignty, unity, independence and territorial integrity of the Syrian Arab Republic and to the goals and principles of the United Nations Charter, urging respect for and commitment to these principles.

The final statement of the meeting, which was held in the Kazakh capital, Astana, on the 24th and 25th of January, stated that the guarantor countries discussed the latest international and regional developments, and stressed the important role of the Astana process in promoting a permanent settlement of the crisis in Syria.

The guarantor states condemned the repeated Israeli attacks on Syria and considered these actions a violation of international law and international humanitarian law, and of Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The guarantors demanded an end to these violations, describing them as destabilizing and as a source of further tension in the region.

The guarantor states also reiterated the need to adhere to the internationally recognized international legal resolutions rejecting the occupation of the Syrian Golan, especially UN Security Council Resolutions 242 and 497, which consider all Israeli decisions and practices in this context to be null and void and illegal.

The guarantor countries stressed the importance of advancing the process of resolving the crisis in Syria, and renewed their commitment to advancing the political settlement process under Syrian leadership, and working to combat terrorism and create appropriate conditions for the safe and voluntary return of displaced Syrians in a way that preserves their dignity, in addition to revitalizing the political process to ensure a smooth flow of humanitarian aid to all of Syria.

The countries expressed their determination to pursue joint action to combat terrorism in all its forms and to stand up to separatist agendas aimed at undermining Syria’s sovereignty, safety and territorial integrity and threatening the regional security of neighboring countries, including attacks and cross-border infiltration.

They also condemned the activities of terrorist organizations and their affiliated groups that operate under different names in multiple parts of Syria, which leads to loss of life.

The countries agreed to make further efforts to stabilize the situation in the Idlib de-escalation zone.

The guarantor countries agreed that security and stability in northeastern Syria can only be achieved on the basis of preserving Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.  They rejected all attempts aimed at creating a new reality on the ground, including illegitimate self-rule initiatives under the pretext of combating terrorism, and affirmed their determination to confront separatist agendas that aim to undermine the Syrian unity and threaten the national security of neighboring countries.

The guarantor states reaffirmed their opposition to the illegal seizure and transfer of oil revenues that should return to Syria, and condemned all unilateral sanctions that violate international law, humanitarian law and the United Nations Charter, including all selective measures and exemptions with regard to specific areas in Syria, which could facilitate the separatist agenda.

The guarantor countries also condemned the actions of states supporting terrorism that seek undermining Syria’s unity, including the illegitimate initiatives for autonomy in northeastern Syria.

The guarantor states expressed their deep concern about all forms of repression practiced by separatist groups against civilians in the east of the Euphrates, including the suppression of peaceful demonstrations, the imposition of compulsory conscription, and discriminatory practices in the field of education, in addition to the restrictions imposed on political activities, journalists, the right of assembly, and freedom of movement.

The countries affirmed the continued provision of humanitarian aid to Syria in accordance with international law and the provision of sufficient funding from donors for humanitarian assistance to all Syrians.

They also welcomed facilitating the access of humanitarian aid to all regions by the government of the Syrian Arab Republic.

The guarantor countries called on the international community, the United Nations and its humanitarian agencies to increase their assistance to Syria, through the implementation of early recovery and resilience projects, including the restoration of basic infrastructure assets of water supply, electricity, sanitation, health, education, schools and hospitals, as well as mine clearance projects.

The countries expressed their deep concern about the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, stressed the need to end the brutal Israeli aggression on the Palestinians and send humanitarian aid to Gaza.

They also called for implementing the United Nations General Assembly resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire and compliance by all parties with their obligations under international law.

The guarantor countries agreed to hold the twenty-second international meeting on Syria in the second half of 2024.

NR/ Souha Sulieman