Final statement of the International Conference on Return of Refugees affirms commitment to Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity

Damascus, (ST) – The final statement of the International Conference on the Return of Syrian Refugees, affirmed the firm support for the unity, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Syria. The conference stressed that Syria is ready not only to welcome back its citizens, but to continue with efforts to provide decent living conditions for them.

The statement read today by the Assistant Minister of Foreign Affair and Expatriates, Dr. Ayman Sousan, stressed adherence to Syria’s sovereignty, independence and the territorial integrity of the Syrian Arab republic and to the goals and principles of the UN charter.

It strongly called for  confronting all attempts aiming at undermining the national sovereignty and the territorial integrity of Syria which pose a threat to the stability and security of the region.

The statement also called for going ahead in combatting terrorism, in all its forms, until the final elimination of Daesh and Jabhat al-Nusra terrorist organizations (ISIS) and all individuals, groups and organizations affiliated to al-Qaeda.

The statement renewed the expression of conviction that the crisis in Syria cannot be solved militarily, but rather by settling it in a political process led and implemented by the Syrians themselves with the help of the United Nations.

The statement pointed out to the necessity of offering assistance for  the safe return of the displaced to their chosen places of residence and reconstructing the affected areas according to the International law and in line with Security Council Resolution no 2254.

The statement expressed great concern about the humanitarian situation in Syria and the impact of the global epidemic of Coronavirus, noting that this matter greatly increases the difficulties facing the work of the medical sector in the country and the humanitarian, economic and social situation.

It emphasized the rejection of all unilateral sanctions in violation of international humanitarian law and the Charter of the United Nations, especially in the circumstances of the global epidemic, coronavirus. 

The statement condemned the illegal seizure of oil resources and their transfer within the framework of a deal between companies licensed by the United States and the self -called (Kurdish Autonomous Administration), for those resources must be the property of the Syrian Arab Republic.

The statement also called on the International Community to help provide housing for the displaced and their return to normal life and to increase its contribution in this regard.

The statement reiterated the Syrian government’s willingness not only to repatriate its citizens ,but to continue all efforts exerted to provide good living conditions for them, with the invitation of the International Community and relevant agencies of the UN to offer the necessary support for the Syrian displaced, as well as, support for Syria and other countries to ensure their legitimate and steady right of return.

Sousan expressed Syria’s thanks to all the countries that participated in the conference, especially friends in the Russian Federation and in the Joint Coordination Commission in Russia for the strenuous efforts and constructive and fruitful cooperation, which effectively contributed to the positive atmosphere that prevailed during the conference.

Raghda Sawas