The guarantor countries of the Astana process (Russia, Iran and Turkey) called on Israel to stop military attacks in Syria. This was said in a joint statement by representatives of Russia, Iran and Turkey at the end of the 16th International Meeting on Syria in the Astana format.
"Condemned continuing Israeli military attacks in Syria which violate the international law, international humanitarian law, the sovereignty of Syria and neighboring countries, endanger the stability and security in the region and called for cessation of them," the document said.
The parties also expressed their conviction that the Syrian conflict has no military solution. "Reaffirmed their commitment to advance viable and lasting Syrian-led and Syrian-owned, UN-facilitated political process in line with the UN Security Council Resolution 2254," the statement said.
Increasing humanitarian aid
Humanitarian aid to Syrians should be increased throughout the republic without politicization and discrimination, the document said.
"Emphasized the need to increase humanitarian assistance to all Syrians throughout the country without discrimination, politicization and preconditions. In order to support the improvement of the humanitarian situation in Syria and the progress in the process of the political settlement, called upon the international community, the United Nations and its humanitarian agencies, to enhance the assistance to Syria, inter alia by developing early recovery projects, including the restoration of basic infrastructure assets – water and power supply facilities, schools and hospitals as well as the humanitarian mine action in accordance with the international humanitarian law".
The parties also stressed "the need to facilitate safe and voluntary return of refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) to their original places of residence in Syria, ensuring their right to return and right to be supported".
"In this regard, called upon the international community to provide the necessary assistance to Syrian refugees and IDPs and reaffirmed their readiness to continue interaction with all relevant parties, including the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and other specialized international agencies," the statement said.
Fighting terrorism
Russia, Turkey, Iran agreed to continue cooperation in the fight against terrorism and condemned the increase in terrorist activity in various parts of Syria.
"Expressed their determination to continue working together to combat terrorism in all forms and manifestations and stand against separatist agendas aimed at undermining the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria as well as threatening the national security of neighboring countries," the document said. - "Condemned the increasing terrorist activities in various parts of Syria which result in loss of innocent lives including the attacks targeting civilian facilities."
Russia, Iran and Turkey also agreed to continue cooperation to permanently eliminate the terrorist groups IS, Jabhat al-Nusra/Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (all banned in Russia) and all other individuals, groups, undertakings and entities associated with Al-Qaeda or IS, and other terrorist groups, as designated by the UN Security Council, "while ensuring the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure in accordance with international humanitarian law."
"Expressed serious concern with the increased presence and terrorist activity of Hayat Tahrir al‑Sham and other affiliated terrorist groups that pose threat to civilians inside and outside the Idlib de-escalation zone," the statement of the guarantor countries stressed.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Creative Commons
Based on materials from TASS