The guarantor countries of the Astana process have expressed their determination to continue cooperation in fighting terrorism in Syria, as well as condemned the growing activity of terrorist groups operating in the republic. Russia, Iran and Turkey said this in a joint statement issued on Thursday following the 18th international meeting on Syria in the Astana format.
"The parties expressed their determination to continue interaction in order to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and to counter separatist plans aimed at undermining Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity and threatening the national security of neighboring countries, including cross-border attacks and infiltration," the document reads.
"They condemned the growing presence and activity of terrorist groups and affiliated structures operating under different guises in various parts of Syria, including attacks on civilian infrastructure that cause civilian casualties," the statement stressed.
Besides, the sides also underlined the necessity of full implementation of all the agreements related to the North of the republic.
At the same time, the guarantor countries condemned all kinds of terrorist activity in different parts of the republic. "They confirmed the need for further cooperation for the final elimination of ISIS, Jabhat al-Nusra (banned in Russia - TASS) and all other individuals, groups, enterprises and organizations affiliated with al-Qaeda (banned in Russia - TASS) or ISIS, and other terrorist groups recognized as such by the UN Security Council, while ensuring the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure in accordance with international humanitarian law," the document reads.
"The parties expressed serious concern over the presence and terrorist activity of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group (banned in Russia - TASS) and other affiliated terrorist organizations recognized as such by the UN Security Council, which threaten civilians inside and outside the Idlib de-escalation zone (DMZ)," the sides summarized in the statement.
Israel's attacks in Syria
The guarantor countries of the Astana process condemned Israel's ongoing military attacks in Syria and called to them.
"The sides condemned Israel's ongoing military attacks in Syria, which violate international law and international humanitarian law, the sovereignty of Syria and neighboring countries, and threaten stability and security in the region, and called for their cessation," the document said.
The parties also pointed out that "Israel's use of civilian planes as a cover for aggression on Syrian territory is a gross violation of international rules and endangers the lives of civilians."
In addition, the guarantor countries noted that the conflict in the republic has no military solution. "They expressed their conviction that the Syrian conflict has no military solution and reaffirmed their commitment to promoting a viable and long-term political process led and implemented by the Syrians themselves with UN assistance in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 2254," the statement concluded.
GSV "Russia - Islamic world"
Photo: official website of the President of the Russian Federation
Based on materials from TASS