Astana 11 affirms preservation of Syria’s sovereignty, territorial integrity

Astana, SANA_ The guarantor states of the Astana process (Iran, Russia and Turkey) reiterated their strong commitment to the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Syria and the continuation of the fight against terrorism.

In Astana 11 final statement, the guarantor states reaffirmed their determination to fight terrorism in Syria in order to ultimately eliminate Daesh (ISIS), Jabhat al-Nusra and all other entities associated with them.

The statement rejected all attempts to create new facts on the ground under the pretext of combating terrorism in Syria and rejected the separatist agendas aimed at undermining the sovereignty and unity of Syrian territory.

The statement stressed the need for full implementation of the understanding on Idleb and the demilitarized zone, stressing that the de-escalation zone in Idleb, under any circumstances, can not undermine the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Syria.

It condemned any use of chemical weapons in Syria and demanded a transparent and professional probe into any reports concerning this issue in a way that accords with the Convention on the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons.

The statement reiterated commitment of the guarantor countries to intensify efforts to form a committee enjoyed by support of all Syrian parties to discuss the constitution as soon as possible consistent with the decisions of the Congress of the Syrian National Dialogue in Sochi

The statement pointed out to the importance of continuing efforts aimed at helping the Syrians regain their normal lives and end suffering, calling on the international community, especially the United Nations and humanitarian organizations, to increase aid to Syria, ensure the return of the displaced and to intensify efforts for solving the issue of abductees and the missing.

The guarantor states decided to hold the next high-level meeting on Syria next February 2019 in Astana.

Ghossoun/