Alwaght- The guarantor states of the cessation of hostilities in Syria -Russia, Iran and Turkey- have renewed their strong commitment to the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria and to combating terrorism in the country.
Kazakh Foreign Minister Abdrakhmanov on Friday read out the final statement at the end of plenary meeting of Astana-6 talks in which “the guarantor states renewed their strong commitment to the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Syrian Arab Republic under the terms of UN Security Council Resolution No. 2254 as they reached to an agreement on de-escalation zones, including Idleb area”.
The statement pointed out that the three guarantor countries stressed that the establishment of the de-escalation areas is a temporary measure and that the establishment of these zones under no circumstances will undermine the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Syria.
The statement also announced the formation of a joint Russian-Turkish-Iranian coordination center to coordinate activities of the troops that will monitor the de-escalation zones.
The statement affirmed the fight against terrorism and the elimination of ISIS and al-Nusra Front groups and all persons, groups and entities affiliated to al-Qaeda and the two organizations as a result of the establishment of de-escalation zones, stressing on the need to take all necessary measures to continue fighting against them inside and outside areas of de-escalation zones.
The statement noted that the parties should take confidence-building measures, including the release of the abducted persons, the handing over of bodies and the identification of missing persons to create conditions for a political process and a permanent cessation of hostilities.
The statement called for sending humanitarian aid to the Syrian people, securing their access and facilitating humanitarian measures related to mine clearance, protection of archaeological areas and reconstruction of infrastructure, including economic and social facilities.
The upcoming Astana meeting will be held by the end of October, the statement said.
Earlier, the plenary meeting of Astana-6 talks on Syria kicked off in Astana with the participation of the Syrian delegation headed by Dr. Bashar al-Jaafari, the Russian and Iranian delegations and other delegations.
The first round of the Astana talks, organized by guarantor states took place on January 23-24 and brought together representatives from the Damascus government and opposition groups.
The conflict in Syria started in March 2011, with the government of President Bashar al Assad blaming some Western states and their regional allies of backing Takfiri terrorists wreaking havoc in the country.
