21st Int’l Meeting Final Statement calls for pushing forward Astana process to combat terrorism, facilitate refugee return
Astana, SANA- The guarantor states of the Astana Process have renewed their firm commitment to Syria’s sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity and to the goals and principles of the UN Charter.
The final statement of the guarantor states at the 21st International Meeting on Syria under Astana format ,which was held in the Kazakh capital, Astana, on the 24th and 25th of January, reiterated the firm commitment to the sovereignty, unity, independence and territorial integrity of the Syria and to the goals and principles of the UN Charter, stressing the need for international respect for and commitment to these principles.
The statement stated that the guarantor states discussed the latest international and regional developments, and stressed the important role of the Astana process in promoting a permanent settlement of the crisis in Syria.
The guarantor states condemned the repeated Israeli attacks on Syria and considered these actions a violation of international laws, and of Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. They demanded an end to these violations, describing them as destabilizing and escalating tensions in the region.
It also reiterated the need to adhere to universally acknowledged international resolutions rejecting the occupation of the Syrian Golan, especially UNSC Resolutions (242 and 497), which consider all Israeli decisions and practices in this context to be null and void, and do not carry a legal character.
The guarantor countries stressed the importance of advancing the process of resolving the crisis in Syria, and renewed their commitment to advancing the political settlement process under Syrian leadership and ownership, and working to combat terrorism and create appropriate conditions for the safe and voluntary return of Syrians in a way that preserves their dignity, in addition to revitalizing the political process to ensure a smooth flow of humanitarian aid to all of Syria.
The countries expressed their determination to pursue joint action to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and to stand up against separatist agendas aimed at undermining Syria’s sovereignty, safety and territorial integrity and threatening the regional security of neighboring countries, including attacks and cross-border infiltration. They also condemned the activities of terrorist organizations and their affiliated groups that operate under different names in multiple parts of Syria, which leads to loss of life.
The countries agreed to make further efforts to stabilize the situation in the Idlib de-escalation zone.
The countries agreed that security and stability in northeastern Syria can only be achieved on the basis of preserving Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and rejected all attempts aimed at creating a new reality on the ground, including illegitimate self-government initiatives under the pretext of combating terrorism, and affirmed their determination to confront separatist agendas that aim to undermine Syrian unity and threaten the national security of neighboring countries.
The guarantor states reaffirmed their opposition to the illegal seizure and transfer of oil revenues that should be returned to Syria, and condemned all unilateral sanctions that violate international laws and the UN Charter, including all selective measures and exemptions with regard to specific areas in Syria, which could facilitate the separatist agenda.
It also condemned the actions of states supporting terrorism that undermine Syrian unity, including illegitimate initiatives for autonomy in northeastern Syria.
The guarantor states voiced their deep concern about all forms of repression practiced by separatist groups against civilians in the east of the Euphrates, including the suppression of peaceful demonstrations, the imposition of compulsory recruitment, and discriminatory practices in the field of education, in addition to the restrictions imposed on political activities, journalists, the right of assembly, and freedom of movement.
The countries affirmed the continued provision of humanitarian aid to Syria in accordance with international law and the provision of sufficient funding from donors for humanitarian assistance to all Syrians. They also welcomed facilitating the access of humanitarian aid to all regions by the Syrian government.
The guarantor countries called on the international community, the UN and its humanitarian agencies to increase their assistance to Syria, through the implementation of early recovery and resilience projects, including the restoration of basic infrastructure assets from water supply, electricity, sanitation, health, education, schools and hospitals, as well as mine clearance projects.
The countries expressed their deep concern about the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, stressed the need to end the brutal Israeli attack on the Palestinians and send humanitarian aid there. They also called for the implementation of the UN General Assembly resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire and compliance by all parties with their obligations under international law.
It was agreed to hold the twenty-second international meeting on Syria in the second half of 2024.
