Astana 12 Affirms Preserving Syrian Sovereignty, Territorial Integrity and Continuing Anti-Terrorism Fight

By Staff, Agencies

The guarantor states of the Astana process, Russia, Iran and Turkey renewed their commitment to Syria’s territorial integrity and sovereignty and the principles of the United Nations Charter.

In Astana 12 final statement on Friday, the guarantors stressed that these principles must be fully adhered to and that any actions by any party cannot undermine these principles.

They condemned as “violation of the international legitimacy” the US’ declaration on the occupied Syrian Golan.

“The United States’ declaration on the occupied Syrian Golan violates international legitimacy, particularly the UN Security Council resolution No.497, and threatens security and stability in the region,” the statement read.

The statement further 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 and endangering its security and the security of neighboring countries.

The guarantors stressed that ensuring security and stability in the Syrian al-Jazira area can only be through respecting Syria’s sovereignty and independence.

They unanimously underlined the need to fully implement Sochi agreement on Idlib, voicing concern about attempts of the so-called Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham terrorist organization to increase its control over the region.

The guarantor states reaffirmed their determination to continue cooperation to ultimately eliminate Daesh [the Arabic acronym for terrorist ‘ISIS/ISIL’ group], Jabhat al-Nusra and all other entities and persons associated with al-Qaeda or other organizations labeled as terrorist by the UN Security Council.

Taking the necessary measures in the de-escalation zone area in Idlib was also agreed upon according to the statement.